As of June 2026, more than 85 countries worldwide have implemented taxes on sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs), according to the World Health Organization (WHO). These measures aim to reduce consumption of sugary drinks linked to obesity, type 2 diabetes, and dental caries. The WHO recommends that such taxes increase retail prices by at least 20% to effectively influence consumer behavior.
Recent adopters include South Africa, which introduced a sugar tax in 2018, and the United Kingdom, which implemented a Soft Drinks Industry Levy in 2018. In 2025, Brazil approved a national tax on sugary drinks, set to take effect in 2026. Mexico, a pioneer with its 2014 soda tax, reported a 7.6% reduction in purchases of taxed beverages in its first two years, with declines sustained over time.
Proponents argue that SSB taxes generate revenue that can be reinvested in public health programs. For example, the UK's levy raised Ā£336 million in 2023-2024, allocated to school sports and breakfast clubs. Critics, however, contend that such taxes are regressive, disproportionately affecting low-income households. A 2025 study in the BMJ found that while consumption fell across all income groups, the financial burden was higher for poorer families.
The WHO continues to advocate for broader adoption, noting that only 10% of countries currently have SSB taxes in place. In May 2026, the World Health Assembly passed a resolution urging member states to strengthen fiscal policies to reduce noncommunicable diseases. The resolution highlights that SSB taxes are a cost-effective intervention, potentially saving millions of lives globally.
