Boost your hydration while cutting out sweeteners

Which low-calorie sweeteners are safe—and which aren't?

As people cut back on added sugars, low-calorie sweeteners are stepping in. They add sweetness with few or no calories to sodas and sports drinks, yogurts and ice creams, cookies and candy, toothpaste, and more. Are they safe? It depends on the sweetener. Here are some key findings on the most popular ones. To learn more, check out our guide to sweeteners and other food additives.

Restaurants are starting to offer healthier beverages to kids in store. Online, not so much

Sugary drinks are the leading source of added sugars in the U.S. diet and the majority of U.S. children exceed the recommended daily limit for added sugars. Many restaurant chains have dropped sugary drink offerings to children from sit-down menus in an effort to improve the healthfulness of their kids’ meals. With the recent increase in online ordering, it is important that this commitment to promote healthier options is reflected on online ordering menus.

Too many restaurant chains still serving sugary drinks with kids’ meals, despite progress

CSPI report assesses availability of sugary drinks at top 200 restaurant chains

Children’s consumption of restaurant food is associated with an increased consumption of calories, saturated fat, total sugars, and sugary drinks. Sugary drinks, which are drinks with added sugar or sweeteners like high fructose corn syrup or sucrose, are the leading source of added sugars in U.S. children’s diets.

Added sugar warnings on unhealthy beverages may reduce parents’ purchases

Added sugar warnings—especially those that disclose added sugar content in teaspoons—may reduce parents’ purchases of high-added-sugar beverages for their young children, according to new research published today in JAMA Network Open

Toolkit: Nutrient warnings

This toolkit is intended to support advocates who want to lead campaigns calling for state and local nutrient warnings on restaurant menus. We outline how nutrient warnings can be used to reduce the purchases of unhealthy foods and drinks, encourage reformulation, and build stronger, healthier, more resilient communities that are better prepared to withstand future public health challenges.

Study finds that contracts incentivizing increased sales of unhealthy beverages are nearly ubiquitous at large, public U.S. universities

Coca-Cola and Pepsi promote their products through exclusive marketing agreements with venues and institutions, known as “pouring rights” contracts.

New study reveals one way soda and beverage companies market to children

Picture a large public university you may have visited or seen play a sport on television. Can you recall seeing Gatorade merchandise dotting the sidelines? Coca-Cola vending machines across campus? Those products and merchandise are likely there because the university and beverage company signed a pouring rights contract.

A bittersweet victory for New York City: We must keep fighting to give New Yorkers the entire #SweetTruth

New York City has become the first city in the nation to pass legislation requiring added sugars warnings in chain restaurants, a victory that marks a significant milestone on the path to rebuilding a healthier New York.