The Nutrition Source

In February 2009, The Nutrition Source systematically reviewed the Web sites of the leading liquid refreshment beverage and carbonated soft-drink companies in the U.S.¹ to identify low-sugar beverages, defined as beverages that are sweetened only with caloric sweeteners² and contain no more than 1 gram of sugar per ounce. We called each of these manufacturers' consumer inquiry lines or media inquiry lines to request suggestions for low-sugar beverages. A follow-up review of Web sites was completed in April 2009.

We found only a handful of offerings from these manufacturers that meet the low-sugar criteria, and a few that come very close to meeting the low-sugar criteria. Most of these products are ready-to-drink teas and lightly-sweetened waters. From searching offerings in supermarkets and on the Web, we have identified other low-sugar beverages from smaller, independent manufacturers. To give consumers an idea of what is available in the marketplace, we have included some (but not all) of these lower sugar offerings in How Sweet Is It?, a handout available on The Nutrition Source Web site. The Nutrition Source does not endorse specific brands, and the inclusion of brand-name beverages on this handout does not constitute an endorsement. 

1. Beverage Digest Fact Book 2008 identifies the top 10 liquid refreshment beverage companies for 2007 as Coca-Cola Co., PepsiCo, Dr. Pepper Snapple, Nestle Waters, Cott, National Beverage, CG Roxanne, Arizona, Premium Waters,  and Hansen Natural. The top nine carbonated drink manufacturers in 2007 are Coca-Cola Co., Pepsi-Cola Co., Dr. Pepper Snapple, Cott Corp., National Beverage, Hansen Natural, Red Bull, Rockstar, and Big Red. Source: Beverage Digest Fact Book, 2008: Statistical Yearbook of Non-Alcoholic Beverages. 13^th Edition. Bedford Hills, New York. 

2. Caloric sweeteners include sugar, cane sugar, high fructose corn syrup, crystalline fructose, honey, molasses, juice, or juice concentrates. Artificially sweetened beverages, beverages sweetened with stevia, beverages that contained a mix of artificial sweetener or stevia and caloric sweeteners, and unsweetened beverages (such as calorie-free flavored waters or unsweetened iced tea) do not meet the "low sugar beverage" criteria.

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The aim of the Harvard School of Public Health Nutrition Source is to provide timely information on diet and nutrition for clinicians, allied health professionals, and the public. The contents of this Web site are not intended to offer personal medical advice. You should seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this Web site. The information does not mention brand names, nor does it endorse any particular products.