Evaluation of Ireland’s Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Tax (SSBT)

Background: Ireland is experiencing high levels of overweight and obesity. The adverse health impacts of excess weight include cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and dental decay, as well as a host of other conditions. In response, the Irish Government introduced a Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Tax (SSBT) in 2018. Aims: This research sought to explore the impact of Ireland’s Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Tax. Method: Euromonitor International Ltd data for the years 2010 – 2022 detailing carbonated drinkrelated sugar consumption in Ireland was examined. Results: A gradual decline in sugar consumption via carbonated soft drinks was evident before the introduction of the SSBT in Ireland. However, in the first full year since the introduction of the SSBT, there was a marked 30.2% reduction in sugar intake via carbonates through retailers and a 19.8% reduction in sugar intake via carbonates via food service venues. Conclusions: The reduction in sugar intake via carbonates in the aftermath of the introduction of the SSBT was dramatic. However, it is unclear how much of this reduction was caused by industry reformulation of soft drinks and how much by consumers choosing lower-sugar or sugar-free soft beverages. Whatever the precise contribution of either factor, these results suggest that the SSBT has effectively reset national sugar consumption via soft drinks at a lower level.