Alternative Beverage Campaign and Guide to Healthier Beverage Choices

Question: Are Sodas Bad for You?

Answer: No! In moderation, soft drinks can be included in an overall well-balanced diet.

HOWEVER, FACTS ARE FACTS:

FACT:  Carbonated soft drinks can add unwanted SUGAR, CALORIES, AND CAFFEINE to our diet.  They often replace healthier alternative beverage choices (ABC's) that provide needed nutrients.

FACT:  Because the major ingredients in sodas are carbonated water and syrup, they are, for the most part, nutritionally empty foods.

Click here to read the report, Liquid Candy - How Soft Drinks are Harming Americans' Health,  from the Center for Science in the Public Interest.

External links to other sites are intended to be informational and do not have the endorsement of the Texas Department of State Health Services. These sites may also not be accessible to persons with disabilities.

Soda Fountain vs. the Health Fountain

SODAS
The average 12-ounce cola or pepper-type soda contains 151 calories, 10 teaspoons of sugar, and 37 mg of caffeine, and although an average lemon-lime soda may not have caffeine, it still packs 147 calories and the same amount of sugar while providing . . .

0 VITAMINS
0 PROTEIN
0 FIBER

ALTERNATIVE BEVERAGE CHOICES
One cup of milk PROVIDES an average of 85 calories, 12mg of carbohydrate, and . . .

15% RDA** Vitamin A
38% RDA Calcium
8 gm Protein
0 Caffeine

One cup of 100% orange juice
provides . . .

100% RDA of VITAMIN C
FOLATE
ANTI-OXIDANT VITAMIN

Consider the following:

• Teenage boys have virtually tripled their soda consumption in the last 20 years.
• Milk consumption has dropped 40% in the last 20 years.
• Carbonated drinks like sodas are the No. 1 source of refined sugars in American diets.
• Adding fresh fruit and vegetable juices, water, and 1% or less milk to our diets provides hydration, vitamins, and minerals.

The Alternative Beverage Campaign is a public health response to the soaring consumption of soft drinks - especially in youth.  Soft drinks contribute considerable amounts of calories, sugar, and caffeine to the diet, and have the potential to replace more healthful beverage choices.  We offer alternative beverage information and resources to increase nutrition knowledge and allow for better beverage choices for optimal health status for children, families, and communities.  For more information on the Alternative Beverage Campaign or other community and worksite wellness information, contact the Cardiovascular Health and Wellness Program, 1100 West 49th Street, Austin, Texas 78756, (512) 458-7200.

Last Updated May 5, 2005