Soda Consumption by Country 2024

Hungary

Hungarians drink 310 liters of soda per capita each year, which makes them the biggest consumers of the sugary drink in the world. This much sugar intake from soda alone has led to significant public health concerns, including obesity and diabetes. In 2011, Hungary imposed the so-called “public health product tax” to try to get its citizens to adopt healthier habits. However, it looks like Hungarians still love their soda, and it will be hard to mitigate or reverse the harm associated with drinking it.

Belgium

As the second European country on our list, Belgium is also the 2nd-most soda-drinking country in the world. Belgians drink about 272 liters per capita of soda each year, which is an all-time high for soda consumption for this country. Unsurprisingly, health officials have been ringing the alarm to bring attention to troubling health concerns, especially in children, pointing to a rapid increase in chronic disease and obesity. To somewhat mitigate the issue, soda companies in Belgium are trying to increase aeration while decreasing sugar content to make the drinks less unhealthy. The government has also implemented a soda tax to help reduce consumption.

Argentina

Compared to other countries in the world, Argentina has the most soda consumption. About 155 liters per capita are consumed each year. The warm climate combined with higher-income households makes soda a popular drink. Health departments throughout Argentina are concerned about the long-term health impact heavy soda consumption may have in the future.

The United States

Coming in fourth, the United States has some of the highest soda consumption in the world. US citizens drink an estimated 154 liters per capita every year. Nearly 1 out of every 5 people report having at least one soda daily. This number is shockingly high and has health officials concerned with future health implications. High blood pressure, obesity, and dental problems have been skyrocketing in the country, coinciding with a high rate of soda consumption.

Chile

Landing in the fifth position for the most soda consumed, Chile consumes 141 liters per capita every year. The stable economy, good lifestyle, and low unemployment give people the extra income to buy sugary drinks. Similar to other countries with a high incidence of soda consumption, health reports are not encouraging, with people developing diseases and conditions related to the high sugar intake. The most popular soda in Chile is Coca-Cola.

Mexico

In Mexico, people consume about 137 liters of soda per capita. In recent years, studies have found that more people are drinking soda than ever before, and the trends are only increasing. There have also been several adverse reports about the health implications of soda consumption. To combat the growing health crisis, Mexican officials have implemented a soda tax that will hopefully cut down the amount of soda consumption in the country.

Germany

In Germany, the average person drinks around 120 liters of soda each year, which makes this country rank seventh on the global list. While not as bad as in other countries, the German rate of soda consumption still raises health concerns due to the well known link between sugary drinks and conditions like obesity and diabetes. Much like in other countries such as Hungary, raising public awareness about these health risks and proposing healthier alternatives have largely failed to convince Germans to drink less soda.

Uruguay

Nearly 113 liters of soda per capita are consumed each year in Uruguay. Compared to past years, this total is higher than it has ever been. Economists cite a stable economy and higher incomes as the reason why soda consumption has accelerated in recent years. Bone and dental decay are starting to increase, which concerns health officials.