NCHS Data Brief ■ No. 71 ■ August 2011

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

National Center for Health Statistics

Consumption of Sugar Drinks in the United States, 2005–2008

Cynthia L. Ogden, Ph.D., M.R.P.; Brian K. Kit, M.D., M.P.H.; 

Margaret D. Carroll, M.S.P.H.; and Sohyun Park, Ph.D., M.S.

Key findings

Data from the National 

Health and Nutrition 

Examination Survey, 

2005–2008

•	 Males consume more sugar 

drinks than females.

•	 Teenagers and young adults 

consume more sugar drinks 

than other age groups. 

•	 Approximately one-half of 

the U.S. population consumes 

sugar drinks on any given day.

•	 Non-Hispanic black children 

and adolescents consume more 

sugar drinks in relation to their 

overall diet than their MexicanAmerican counterparts. NonHispanic black and MexicanAmerican adults consume more 

than non-Hispanic white adults.

•	 Low-income persons 

consume more sugar drinks 

in relation to their overall diet 

than those with higher income.

•	 Most of the sugar drinks 

consumed away from home are 

obtained from stores and not 

restaurants or schools.

Consumption of sugar drinks in the United States has increased over the last 

30 years among both children and adults (1–3). Sugar drinks have been linked 

to poor diet quality, weight gain, obesity, and, in adults, type 2 diabetes (4,5). 

U.S. dietary guidelines issued in 2010 recommend limiting the consumption 

of foods and beverages with added sugars (6). Moreover, the American Heart 

Association has recommended a consumption goal of no more than 450 

kilocalories (kcal) of sugar-sweetened beverages—or fewer than three 12-oz 

cans of carbonated cola—per week (7). This brief presents the most recent 

national data on sugar-drink consumption in the United States. Results are 

presented by sex, age, race and ethnicity, and income. Where sugar drinks are 

consumed and obtained is also presented.

Keywords: kilocalories • mean • income • National Health and Nutrition 

Examination Survey

On average, how many kilocalories from sugar drinks does 

the U.S. population consume?

Overall, males consume an average of 178 kcal from sugar drinks on any 

given day, while females consume 103 kcal. Mean consumption of sugar 

1

Significantly different from males. 

2

Significant quadratic trend for both males and females.

SOURCE: CDC/NCHS, National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2005–2008. Kilocalories per day

Age (years)2

Figure 1. Mean kilocalories from sugar drinks for ages 2 and over: United States, 2005–2008

0

50

100

150

200

250

300 Male Female

All 2–5 6–11 12–19 20–39 40–59 60 and over

178

71

141

273

252

159

1

112

1

171

1

138

70 70

1

103 1

86

1

42
NCHS Data Brief ■ No. 71 ■ August 2011

is higher in males than females at all ages except among 2- to 5-year-olds. Consumption of sugar 

drinks increases until ages 12–19 years and then decreases with age. Consumption of sugar drinks 

is lowest among the oldest females (42 kcal per day) and highest among males aged 12–19 (273 

kcal per day) (Figure 1). The age patterns of percentage of total daily kilocalories from sugar 

drinks (not shown) are similar to those for kilocalories from sugar drinks.

Does everyone consume sugar drinks?

Approximately one-half of the population aged 2 and older consumes sugar drinks on any given 

day. Among adult women, the percentage is lower, with 40% consuming sugar drinks on any 

given day, while among boys aged 2–19, 70% consume sugar drinks on any given day (Figure 2).

■  2  ■

SOURCE: CDC/NCHS, National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2005–2008. Percent

Males Females

Figure 2. Percentage of U.S. population aged 2 and over who drink sugar drinks on a given day: United States, 2005–2008

0

20

40

60

80

100

20 years

and over

20 years 2–19 years

and over

All 2–19 years

50

70

55

60

40

How many kilocalories from sugar drinks do people consume on a 

given day?

On a given day, there is a wide range of sugar-drink consumption. About 50% of the population 

consumes no sugar drinks; 25% consumes some sugar drinks but less than 200 kcal (more than 

one 12-oz can of cola); and 5% consumes at least 567 kcal from sugar drinks on any given day 

(more than four 12-oz cans of cola) (Figure 3).
NCHS Data Brief ■ No. 71 ■ August 2011

■  3  ■

SOURCE: CDC/NCHS, National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2005–2008. Kilocalories per day

Percentile

Figure 3. Amount of sugar-drink consumption on a given day for ages 2 and over: United States, 2005–2008

0

200

400

600

800

1,000

10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100

0 kcal

200 kcal (more than one 12-oz can of cola)

567 kcal (more than four 12-oz cans of cola)

Are there racial or ethnic differences in the percentage of total dietary 

kilocalories consumed from sugar drinks?

Among non-Hispanic black children and adolescents, 8.5% of total kilocalories consumed in the 

diet are obtained from sugar drinks, higher than the 7.4% among Mexican-American children and 

adolescents. Among adults aged 20 and over, non-Hispanic white persons consume fewer sugardrink kilocalories as a percentage of total kilocalories (5.3%) than do non-Hispanic black (8.6%) 

or Mexican-American persons (8.2%) (Figure 4).

1

Significantly different from Mexican-American persons. 

2

Significantly different from non-Hispanic white persons.

NOTE: The percentage of total daily kilocalories is shown because of sex and age differences in overall kilocalorie consumption.

SOURCE: CDC/NCHS, National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2005–2008. Percent total kilocalories per day

Age (years)

Figure 4. Mean percentage of total daily kilocalories from sugar drinks for ages 2 and over, by race and ethnicity: 

United States, 2005–2008

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14 Non-Hispanic white Non-Hispanic black Mexican American

2–19 20 and over

7.7

1

8.5

7.4

5.3

2

8.6 2

8.2
NCHS Data Brief ■ No. 71 ■ August 2011

■  4  ■

Are there income differences in the percentage of total dietary kilocalories 

consumed from sugar drinks?

Higher-income persons consume fewer kilocalories from sugar drinks as a percentage of 

total daily kilocalories than do lower-income individuals. Among children and adolescents 

in households with income below 130% of the poverty line, the mean percentage of total 

kilocalories consumed from sugar drinks is 8.2%, higher than the 6.7% consumed among those 

living at or above 350% of the poverty line. Similarly, among adults living below 130% of the 

poverty line, mean kilocalories from sugar drinks is 8.8% of total kilocalories; among those living 

between 130% and 350% of the poverty line, mean kilocalories from sugar drinks is 6.2% of total 

kilocalories; and among those at or above 350% of the poverty line, mean kilocalories is 4.4% of 

total kilocalories (Figure 5).

1

Poverty income ratio.

2

Significant linear trend.

NOTE: Percentage of total daily kilocalories is shown because of sex and age differences in overall kilocalorie consumption.

SOURCE: CDC/NCHS, National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2005–2008. Percent total kilocalories per day

Age (years)2

Figure 5. Mean percentage of total daily kilocalories from sugar drinks for ages 2 and over, by poverty income ratio: 

United States, 2005–2008

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14 130–350% PIR1 <130% PIR1

2–19 20 and over

8.2 8.2

6.7

8.8

6.2

4.4

Where do people consume sugar drinks and where are they obtained?

More than one-half of sugar-drink kilocalories (52%) are consumed in the home. Of these 

sugar-drink kilocalories, the vast majority is purchased in stores (92%), and just over 6% is 

purchased in restaurants or fast-food establishments. Of the 48% consumed away from home, 

43% are purchased in stores, 35.5% in restaurants or fast-food establishments, and 1.4% in 

schools or day-care settings. Over 20% of sugar-drink kilocalories consumed away from home 

are obtained in other places such as vending machines, cafeterias, street vendors, and community 

food programs, among others (Figure 6).
NCHS Data Brief ■ No. 71 ■ August 2011

■  5  ■

1

Mean kilocalories of sugar-drink consumption is 225.

2

Mean kilocalories of sugar-drink consumption is 251.

SOURCE: CDC/NCHS, National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2005–2008.

Figure 6. Source of sugar-drink kilocalories consumed for ages 2 and over, by location of consumption: United States, 

2005–2008

Consumed away from home2 (48%)

43.0

35.5

20.3

1.4

Consumed at home1

 (52%)

92.0

1.8 0.1

6.2

Store Restaurant or fast food School or day care Other

Summary

One-half of the U.S. population consumes sugar drinks on any given day, and 25% consumes

at least 200 kcal (more than one 12-oz can of cola). 

Sugar-drink consumption differs by sex, age, race and ethnicity, and income. For example, males 

consume more than females, and teenagers and young adults consume more than other age 

groups. Among adults, non-Hispanic black and Mexican-American persons consume more than 

non-Hispanic white persons, and low-income individuals consume more sugar drinks in relation 

to their total diet than higher-income individuals. 

More than one-half of sugar drinks are consumed in the home. Most sugar drinks consumed 

away from home are obtained from stores, but more than one-third are obtained in restaurants 

or fast-food establishments.

Definitions

Kilocalories: A measure representing dietary energy or caloric intake. Kilocalories from sugar 

drinks are energy from sugar drinks. Percentage of daily kilocalories from sugar drinks is the 

percentage of total daily energy obtained from sugar drinks.

Sugar drinks: For these analyses, sugar drinks include fruit drinks, sodas, energy drinks, sports 

drinks, and sweetened bottled waters, consistent with definitions reported by the National Cancer

Institute (8). Sugar drinks do not include diet drinks, 100% fruit juice, sweetened teas, and 

flavored milks. Population estimates of sugar-drink kilocalories are based on data from one inperson, 24-hour dietary recall interview.
NCHS Data Brief ■ No. 71 ■ August 2011

■  6  ■

Location of sugar-drink consumption: Respondents to the 24-hour dietary recall interview were 

asked if each reported food was consumed at home or away from home. 

Source of sugar drinks: Respondents to the 24-hour dietary recall interview were asked where 

they obtained each food consumed. To determine source of food, respondents were offered 26 

options, categorized for this brief as store, restaurant (including fast-food), school or child care, 

and other.

Poverty income ratio (PIR): A measure representing the ratio of household income to the poverty 

threshold after accounting for inflation and family size. In 2008, a PIR of 350% was equivalent

to approximately $77,000 for a family of four; a PIR of 130% was equivalent to approximately 

$29,000 for a family of four. In 2008, median household income was approximately $50,000, and 

13.2% of the population lived below the poverty level, based on U.S. Census Bureau data (9).

The cut point for participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program is 130% of the 

poverty level.

Data source and methods

Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) were used for these 

analyses. NHANES is a cross-sectional survey designed to monitor the health and nutritional 

status of the civilian, noninstitutionalized U.S. population (10). The survey consists of interviews 

conducted in participants’ homes, standardized physical examinations in mobile examination 

centers, and laboratory tests utilizing blood and urine specimens provided by participants during 

the physical examination. Dietary information for this analysis was obtained via an in-person, 

24-hour dietary recall interview in the mobile examination center.

The NHANES sample is selected through a complex, multistage design that includes selection 

of primary sampling units (counties), household segments within the counties, households 

within segments, and, finally, sample persons from selected households. The sample design

includes oversampling to obtain reliable estimates of health and nutritional measures for 

population subgroups. In 2005–2006, African-American and Mexican-American subgroups were 

oversampled. In 2007–2008, African-American and overall Latino subgroups were oversampled, 

with sufficient sample sizes for separate analysis of the Mexican-American subgroup. In 1999,

NHANES became a continuous survey, fielded on an ongoing basis. Each year of data collection

is based on a representative sample covering all ages of the civilian, noninstitutionalized 

population. Public-use data files are released in 2-year cycles.

Sample weights, which account for the differential probabilities of selection, nonresponse, 

and noncoverage, were incorporated into the estimation process. The standard errors of the 

percentages were estimated using Taylor Series Linearization, a method that incorporates the 

sample weights and sample design.

Mean estimates for adults were age adjusted to the 2000 U.S. standard population using three 

age groups: 20–39, 40–59, and 60 and over. Differences between groups were evaluated using 

a univariate t statistic at the p < 0.05 significance level. Tests of age trends were done using the

p < 0.05 significance level. All differences reported are statistically significant unless otherwise

indicated. Statistical analyses were conducted using the SAS System for Windows release 9.2 

(SAS Institute Inc., Cary, N.C.) and SUDAAN release 10.0 (RTI International, Research Triangle 

Park, N.C.).
NCHS Data Brief ■ No. 71 ■ August 2011

■  7  ■

About the authors

Cynthia L. Ogden, Brian K. Kit, and Margaret D. Carroll are with the Centers for Disease 

Control and Prevention’s (CDC) National Center for Health Statistics, Division of Health and 

Nutrition Examination Surveys. Sohyun Park is with CDC’s National Center for Chronic Disease 

Prevention and Health Promotion, Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity.

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Available from: http://www.cnpp.usda.gov/DietaryGuidelines.htm.

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setting national goals for cardiovascular health promotion and disease reduction: The American 

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8. Reedy J, Krebs-Smith SM. Dietary sources of energy, solid fats, and added sugars among 

children and adolescents in the United States. J Am Diet Assoc 110(10):1477–84. 2010.

9. DeNavas-Walt C, Proctor BD, Smith JC. Income, poverty, and health insurance coverage 

in the United States: 2008. Current Population Reports, Consumer Income, P60–236(RV). 

Washington, DC: U.S. Census Bureau. 2009. Available from: http://www.census.gov/

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Available from: http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nhanes/nhanes_questionnaires.htm.
NCHS Data Brief ■ No. 71 ■ August 2011

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Suggested citation

Ogden CL, Kit BK, Carroll MD, Park S. 

Consumption of sugar drinks in the United 

States, 2005–2008. NCHS data brief, no 71. 

Hyattsville, MD: National Center for Health 

Statistics. 2011.

Copyright information

All material appearing in this report is in 

the public domain and may be reproduced 

or copied without permission; citation as to 

source, however, is appreciated.

National Center for Health 

Statistics

Edward J. Sondik, Ph.D., Director

Jennifer H. Madans, Ph.D., Associate 

Director for Science

Division of Health and Nutrition 

Examination Surveys

Clifford L. Johnson, M.S.P.H., Director

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