Sweetened drinks become more expensive after New Year

From January 1, 2021, a sugar fee will be imposed on beverages with added sweeteners. In this way, the government wants to influence the purchasing decisions of consumers and persuade them to limit their consumption of this type of product. The new fee is to help fight the scourge of obesity and diabetes.

The sugar fee will cover beverages with added sugars as well as other sweeteners, including the so-called energy drinks, which at the same time will be subject to a special fee for the addition of caffeine or taurine. As a result, the prices of this type of beverage are to increase, which is to discourage consumers from buying them frequently.

"The fee for beverages with added sweeteners is one of the elements of government action to reduce the prevalence of overweight and obesity in society. We want to improve the quality of the Poles' diet by reducing the consumption of sweet drinks. We must remember that proper nutrition is the most important environmental factor influencing the development of the body and ensuring good health. The consequences of improper nutrition affect not only the childhood period but also the health potential of the body in adulthood," the Ministry of Health commented

Earlier, the sugar levy was introduced in many other countries (including France or Great Britain). It is commonly known in the world as the so-called "Sugar tax". However, it is to fulfill similar tasks everywhere, i.e. to counteract the growing epidemic of obesity and diabetes by shaping pro-health consumer behavior.

(PAP)