Foodwatch: Germans consume nearly 26 grams of sugar daily through drinks - Germany leads Western Europe in sugary drink consumption—with no tax in sight

Germany tops Western Europe for sugar consumption from drinks, according to new data. On average, Germans drink nearly 26 grams of sugar daily—far more than neighbours like Italy or the UK. Campaigners have now called for urgent action, labelling the country's position a 'depressing first place' in unhealthy habits.

The figures come from market research firm Euromonitor, which analysed sales data and product recipes. Among the ten most populous Western European nations, Germany leads, followed by Austria at 23 grams and the Netherlands at 20 grams. Southern European countries fare better, with Italy recording the lowest intake at just 9.5 grams per person per day.

Britain, meanwhile, has cut its daily sugar intake from drinks to 16 grams. This follows a 2018 levy on sugary beverages, which slashed sugar levels in drinks by 35%. Germany has no such tax, and data from the Robert Koch Institute shows consumption has stayed stable at 20–25 grams since 2018.

Foodwatch, a consumer rights group, has criticised the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) for blocking a sugar tax proposal. Last year, Schleswig-Holstein's CDU Minister-President Daniel Günther pushed for a federal tax via the Bundesrat. Yet the party has resisted further action ahead of its upcoming federal conference. The group warns that excessive liquid sugar poses serious health risks.

The data highlights Germany's high sugar consumption compared to peers with levies in place. Without policy changes, campaigners argue, the trend is unlikely to shift. For now, the country remains at the top of the ranking—with no immediate plans for reform.