Beverage consumption and energy intake among Canadians: analyses of 2004 and 2015 national dietary intake data

Abstract

Background: Among adults and children consuming Western diets, beverages are significant sources of free sugars, saturated fats, excess calories, and alcohol, with relevance to chronic disease risk. The impact of recent healthy eating policies and beverage market evolutions on population-level consumption patterns in Canada is unknown. The current study examined trends in intake of a range of beverage types among a nationallyrepresentative sample of Canadians, with stratification by socio-demographic characteristics. Methods: The 2004 (n = 34,775) and 2015 (n = 20,176) nutrition-focused cycles of the Canadian Community Health Surveys are cross-sectional surveys representative of the population of the 10 Canadian provinces. Based on a single multiple-pass 24-h dietary recall for each participant, fluids consumed as beverages were grouped into seven categories. Using linear regression, reported intake (volume, ml and energy, kcal) of each category was characterized over time and in relation to sex, age, ethnicity, income, body mass index (BMI), and province of residence. Results: In 2015, Canadians reported consuming an average of 1806 ml (275 kcal) fluids as beverages per day, including: plain water 867 ml (0 kcal); other unsweetened beverages, e.g. coffee, 364 ml (6 kcal); sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) 204 ml (99 kcal); plain milk 132 ml (64 kcal); alcoholic drinks 120 ml (71 kcal); 100% juice 74 ml (34 kcal); and diet or low calorie beverages 44 ml (2 kcal). Differential consumption was observed across socio-demographic groups, with high consumption of sugary drinks (i.e., SSBs and 100% juice) and alcohol across groups. From 2004 to 2015, the reported volumes of beverages consumed decreased by 10% (energy: − 24%). With adjustment for socio-demographic characteristics, there were significant changes (p < 0.001) over time in intake of: 100% juice − 40% (− 38%); plain milk − 37% (− 35%); SSBs − 26% (− 20%); diet or low calorie beverages (− 46%); and other unsweetened beverages − 11% (− 42%). The volume of plain water consumed increased by 10% (p < 0.0001). Intake of alcoholic (volume and energy) and diet or light beverages did not change significantly. Conclusions: Lower intake of beverages was reported by Canadians in 2015 versus 2004, with a shift towards plain water. Consumption of sugary drinks decreased, but these beverages continue to contribute substantially to Canadians' overall energy intake. The findings underscore the need for policies to further reduce the consumption of sugary and alcoholic beverages, as well as calories from beverages.

Trajectories of Eating Behaviour Changes during Adolescence

“…In contrast with other eating behaviours, we noted an improvement in the majority of groups (six of eight) concerning the consumption of sugary beverages. The decline in sugary beverages observed in our sample may reflect a trend observed throughout Canada, where sugary beverage intake was found to drop from 2004 to 2015 [ 38 , 39 ]. Although trends characterizing sugary beverage intake are improving, these beverages remain a concerning source of sugar and total energy intake in Canadian children and adolescents [ 39 ].…”

Sex Differences in Oral Health and the Consumption of Sugary Diets in a Saudi Arabian Population

“…All carbonated soft drinks, fruit drinks, sports drinks, energy drinks, flavored waters, coffees, teas, hot chocolates, flavored milks or substitutes, meal replacement beverages, protein drinks, smoothies, and drinkable yogurts are classified as sugar-sweetened beverages. 37 , 38 …”

“…All carbonated soft drinks, fruit drinks, sports drinks, energy drinks, flavored waters, coffees, teas, hot chocolates, flavored milks or substitutes, meal replacement beverages, protein drinks, smoothies, and drinkable yogurts are classified as sugarsweetened beverages. 37,38 According to a recent study, the KSA ranks fifth worldwide in the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages. 39 Frequent and prolonged exposure to soft drinks increases the risk of tooth erosion, dental caries, and bone fracture.…”

Trends in sugary drinks in Canada, 2004 to 2015: a comparison of market sales and dietary intake data

“…Sugary drink intake estimates were drawn from published analyses of beverage intake from the 2004 and 2015 CCHS Nutrition national cross-sectional surveys representative of the majority of Canadians living in the provinces (aged ≥1 year; final sample sizes: 2004, n 34 775; 2015, n 20 176) ( 13 , 25 ) . The full methodology is described elsewhere ( 25 ) ; briefly, standardized 24 h dietary recalls were used to elicit all foods and beverages consumed by respondents on the previous day. Data collection dates for CCHS 2004 and 2015 began in January 2004 and January 2015, respectively, and spanned the entire calendar year so as to avoid seasonal effects.…”