饮料消费转向“无糖”“零卡”，“喝下去的糖”健康风险凸显

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the growing health consciousness among consumers, leading to a shift towards low-calorie products, yet the consumption of sugary beverages remains a significant health threat, particularly among adolescents [3][4]. Group 1: Consumption Trends - The consumption of sugary beverages in China is stabilizing overall, with a notable shift in structure; traditional high-sugar drinks are declining while sugar-free teas and functional drinks are experiencing significant growth, with sugar-free tea showing a compound annual growth rate of over 90% in the past three years [4][5]. - The average daily intake of added sugars among urban residents aged 3 and above is reported at 9.1 grams, which is below many countries, but the per capita daily sugar consumption has increased from 16 grams to 35 grams over the past 20 years [5][11]. Group 2: Health Risks of Sugary Beverages - Research indicates that liquid sugars pose a higher health risk, with a study showing that for every additional 355 milliliters of sugary drink consumed daily, the risk of developing type 2 diabetes increases by 25% [11][12]. - The article emphasizes that liquid sugars are absorbed quickly and do not trigger the same satiety signals as solid foods, leading to increased overall energy intake and a higher risk of metabolic issues [11][12]. Group 3: Misconceptions and Awareness - Despite increased awareness of health foods, there are still misconceptions about certain sugary drinks perceived as healthy, such as sports drinks and 100% fruit juices, which can contain high levels of natural sugars [7][8]. - The article stresses the need for better public education to differentiate between healthy and unhealthy sugar sources, as many consumers equate fruit and dairy content with health benefits, overlooking added sugars [8][9]. Group 4: Recommendations for Sugar Reduction - The report suggests focusing on reducing the consumption of specific sugary products, including carbonated drinks, fruit and vegetable juices, tea beverages, and dairy drinks, as part of a broader strategy to lower sugar intake [9][10].