More evidence needed to assess impact of soda taxes

Recent nationwide polls show Americans are divided about soda taxes. Overall, people tend to be more supportive of calorie-labeling and removing sugary drinks from schools, but less so for a general soda tax. It is important to gather enough evidence to inform meaningful public policy debates, as well as ensure that the evidence clearly shows soda taxes can reduce consumption and improve health outcomes before implementing them, according to a new report from the Center for Public Finance at Rice University's Baker Institute for Public Policy. The report by Joyce Beebe , a fellow in public finance at the Baker Institute, reviews the controversies of taxing sugary drinks; describes recent global, state and local experiences of developing and implementing soda taxes; and provides practical policy considerations. "Multiple publications indicate sugary drinks are the largest single source of added sugars in today's diet, accounting for half of Americans' added sugar consumption,” Beebe wrote. "This leads researchers to believe the association of sugary drink consumption and weight gain is stronger than for any other type of food or beverage, which provides the foundation for soda taxes. Beebe said it is important to remember that soda is subject to sales tax at general or reduced rates in 35 states.