Health experts in Taiwan are sounding the alarm over increasing rates of overweight and obesity among adults, which reached 50.8% in 2024, according to the Health Promotion Administration (HPA). This growing health concern is largely linked to the high consumption of sugary beverages, particularly bubble tea, a popular drink in Taiwan, reported TVBS.
The Taiwan Health Alliance (THA) revealed that 39.9% of adults consume sugary drinks more than three times a week, with 28.2% opting for beverages with high sugar content.
A THA survey showed that if the price of sugary drinks were to rise by NT$5 to NT$10, 83.6% of consumers would cut back on purchases. Conversely, offering a discount of NT$3 to NT$5 for choosing sugar-free drinks would encourage 89.2% of people to switch to these healthier options.
In June, lawmakers and civil society groups called on the Ministry of Finance (MOF) to revise the Commodity Tax Act to exempt sugar-free beverages from taxation, similar to the treatment of natural juices. While the HPA does not intend to introduce a sugar tax, it does support tax breaks for sugar-free drinks.
Taiwan’s beverage industry, dominated by small independent shops, presents challenges for enforcing a sugar tax—unlike countries such as the U.K., France, and Thailand, which tax mass-produced bottled drinks. In the meantime, the HPA continues to promote healthier diets in schools, restrict sugary beverages, and reduce sugar in meals.
The THA is also pushing for the implementation of Front-of-Package Nutrition Labeling (FoP) to clearly identify high-sugar products, aiming to help consumers make more informed and healthier choices.
