Interesting.
In the very same week that a new study links soda to weight gain among teenagers, now a report shows that sales of soft drinks are down for the first time in two decades.
Check out this New York Times article from reporter Melanie Warner. which delves into how while soft drinks are still most Americans’ top choice, many are now turning to bottled water, as well as sports drinks like Gatorade and energy drinks like Red Bull.
Reporter Warner writes:
"For years, soda has been the quintessential American drink, considered the perfect thirst quencher, morning pick-me-up or accompaniment to lunch or dinner.
"But that is slowly changing.
"As Americans look for greater variety in their drinks and strive for healthier diets, consumption of soda — with its 250 calories and 67 grams of sugar in a 20-ounce bottle — is slipping."
Warner’s article ones after Beverage Digest, an industry trade publication, released data yesterday showing that the number of cases of soda sold in the U.S. was down 0.7 percent, to 10.2 billion cases.
And it appears to be a trend that’s continuing.
Interestingly, a beverage analyst from Morgan Stanley, William Pecoriello, predicted further decline at about 1 percent over the next few years.
"His research shows," Warner writes," that 64 percent of the growth in bottled water is a result of people switching from soda to what nutritionists say is the healthiest beverage anyone can drink."
Even sales of diet sodas are declining, a trend that Pecoriello attributes to the taste and concern over artificial sweeteners, which they don’t view as "healthy."
I’m heartened by this trend though I’m concerned that many people are cutting back on sodas to consume sports drinks, which still have considerable amounts of sugars and calories.
As I sit here drinking more water, I urge people to learn to enjoy water, which our bodies badly need.