93 Liters of Sugar-Sweetened Beverages per Capita: Production Remains Nearly Constant - Germany's sugar habit persists despite falling production of sweet drinks

Germans consumed an average of 41.2 kilograms of sugar per person in 2023, amounting to around 38 sugar cubes daily—more than double the World Health Organization's recommended limit. Meanwhile, production of sugary drinks has seen a slight decline, reflecting shifting consumer habits and policy debates.

Over the past five years, Germany's output of sugar-sweetened beverages dropped by 8–12 percent. The decline follows stricter regulations in neighbouring countries and a growing preference for low-sugar alternatives. By comparison, the Netherlands saw a 5–7 percent reduction, while Spain's production fell by 15 percent. Poland, however, remained stable with minor fluctuations of around 2 percent.

In 2024, Germany produced 7.7 billion litres of sugary soft drinks, a marginal decrease of 0.2 percent from the previous year. At the same time, reduced-calorie cola and lemonade reached 1.5 billion litres, marking a 5.7 percent rise. Water production also climbed, with 12.7 billion litres of mineral, table, and spring water—about 152 litres per person.

Despite these shifts, Germans still drink an average of 93 litres of sugary beverages annually. Public support exists for a tiered sugar tax, though none has been introduced yet. Globally, 116 countries have already implemented such taxes to combat overconsumption.

High sugar intake remains a health concern, linked to obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. While Germany's production trends show a gradual move toward lower-sugar options, consumption levels still exceed both national and global averages. The debate over policy measures, including a potential sugar tax, continues as public health advocates push for further reductions.