Germany's Sugar Tax Excludes Sweeteners: A Critical View
Germany is set to introduce a sugar tax on sweetened beverages starting in 2027, but the tax will not cover products containing artificial sweeteners. This decision has drawn criticism from food journalist Sanaz Saleh-Ebrahimi, who argues that sweeteners should also be regulated more strictly. Internal government papers reveal that the Finance Ministry considered taxing not only sugar but also light drinks, smoothies, oat drinks, and nectar, but ultimately decided against it. Saleh-Ebrahimi, who has years of experience as a science journalist focusing on healthy nutrition, believes the sugar tax is long overdue, noting that Germans consume an average of 90 grams of sugar per day, far exceeding the World Health Organization's recommendation of no more than 50 grams (about twelve teaspoons) for adults. The article appears in the current issue of the German newspaper Der Freitag.
Key facts
- Germany will introduce a sugar tax on sweet drinks in 2027.
- The tax will not include products with artificial sweeteners.
- Food journalist Sanaz Saleh-Ebrahimi criticizes the exclusion.
- Internal government papers show the Finance Ministry considered taxing sweeteners.
- The tax would have covered light drinks, smoothies, oat drinks, and nectar.
- The government decided not to tax sweeteners.
- Germans consume an average of 90 grams of sugar per day.
- The WHO recommends a maximum of 50 grams of sugar per day for adults.
- The article is published in Der Freitag.
Entities
Artists
- Sanaz Saleh-Ebrahimi
Institutions
- Der Freitag
- World Health Organization
- German Finance Ministry
Locations
- Germany