Consumption of Sugary Beverages by Adults Prior to Sugary Drink Tax in Colombia: An Analysis of the National Nutrition Survey 2015

Published: February 2026
Bibliographic reference: Michael Essman, Carlos R. Soto Diaz, Luis Carlos Forero Ballesteros, Mercedes Mora-Plazas, Luis Fernando Gomez, Lindsey Smith Taillie, Consumption of Sugary Beverages by Adults Prior to Sugary Drink Tax in Columbia: An Analysis of the National Nutrition Survey 2015, Nutrients 2026, 18(5), 716; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18050716

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Abstract

Colombia has implemented a tiered tax on sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs), reaching 20% for high-sugar products by 2025. To inform evaluations of this policy, we estimated taxed and untaxed beverage intake prior to implementation and examined differences across sociodemographic groups. Methods: We analyzed 24 h dietary recall data from the 2015 National Survey of the Nutritional Situation of Colombia (ENSIN; n = 11,877 adults aged 18–64), which uses a stratified, multistage cluster sampling design covering all regions of the country. Beverages were categorized by 2025 tax thresholds: untaxed (<5 g added sugar/100 mL), taxed (≥5 g), and high-sugar taxed (≥9 g). Intake (mL, kcal) was estimated per capita and per consumer using survey-weighted two-part models, adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics. Results: Eighty-four percent of adults consumed taxed beverages, with per capita intake of 209 kcal (95% CI: 203–216) and 481 mL (95% CI: 464–497). Sixty-three percent consumed high-sugar taxed beverages, with intake of 134 kcal (95% CI: 130–139) and 292 mL (95% CI: 282–303) per capita. Untaxed beverages accounted for 109 kcal (95% CI: 106–112) and 837 mL (95% CI: 793–882) per capita. Across categories, the highest per capita kcal intakes were from untaxed dairy/milk substitutes (67 kcal, 95% CI: 64–69), any taxed fruit/vegetable juices (61 kcal, 95% CI: 55–66), and any taxed sodas/carbonated beverages (47 kcal, 95% CI: 44–50). Males consumed more taxed beverages of any type (255 kcal, 95% CI: 247–264) than females (174 kcal, 95% CI: 165–182). Conclusions: Prior to its SSB tax, Colombians had a high consumption of SSBs that would be subject to the tax. Future research should assess how consumption changed in response to the tax.