Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Consumption in Adults: Evidence from a National Health Survey in Peru

Abstract

High consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) is associated with a high risk of non-communicable diseases. Evidence of SSB consumption is needed to inform SSB-related policies, especially in countries with a high consumption, such as Peru. Using data from Peru’s National Health Survey conducted in 2017–2018, the consumption of homemade and ready-to-drink SSB was estimated from a single 24 h dietary recall, accounting for socio-demographic and health-related variables. Regression models were fitted to assess which variables were linked to a high/low SSB consumption. There were 913 people and mean age was 37.7 years (95% confidence interval (CI): 36.9–38.6). Mean consumption (8 oz servings/day) of homemade SSB (1.2) doubled that of ready-to-drink SSB (0.5). The intake of homemade and ready-to-drink SSB was higher in men (1.3 and 0.7) than women (1.1 and 0.3). The intake of ready-to-drink SSB was higher in urban (0.6) compared to rural (0.2) populations. People aware of having diabetes had a lower consumption of both ready-to-drink (0.9 vs. 0.4) and homemade SSB (1.3 vs. 0.8) than those unaware of having diabetes. Male sex and living in urban locations were associated with higher ready-to-drink SSB intake. Older age was associated with a higher intake of homemade SSB. Amongst Peruvian adults, the consumption of SSB products (particularly homemade) remains high. Population-wide interventions should also aim to improve awareness of the nutritional components of homemade beverages.