Thailand slashes sugar in popular drinks to combat health crisis

The Thai government has rolled out a new campaign to cut sugar levels in popular drinks. Nine major coffee and beverage chains have agreed to halve the sugar in their standard recipes, making it easier for consumers to find coffee near me with less sugar. The move targets rising health issues linked to excessive sugar consumption. Thailand's latest policy goes further than past efforts by focusing on product reformulation and shifting consumer habits. In 2017, a sugar tax was introduced to push manufacturers toward lower-sugar options. Seven of the nine largest brands now involved were already affected by that tax. Sugary drinks like iced coffee, Thai tea, and bubble milk tea are key contributors to the country's high sugar intake. On average, Thai adults consume 21 teaspoons of sugar daily—more than three times the WHO's recommended limit of six. The campaign aims to reduce this by making lower-sugar options the default, though customers can still adjust sweetness levels from 0% to 100%. Reactions have been divided. Some consumers and small vendors support the change, while others worry about altered tastes. Health experts believe the initiative could lead to lower sugar consumption and better long-term health outcomes. The campaign builds on earlier tax measures but now directly targets product recipes and public behaviour. With major chains on board, the government hopes to see a drop in obesity, diabetes, and related diseases. Customers retain the option to customise sweetness, balancing health goals with personal preference.