Indeed almost 60% of carbonated drinks now sold in the UK contain sweeteners as a total or partial replacement for sugar. It is generally expected that these trends will continue as the consumer seeks a healthier lifestyle.
Result from the UK National Diet and Nutrition Survey, 44% by weight of all soft drinks consumed by adults aged 19–64 years were low-calorie beverages (LCB), a higher proportion than in other European countries.
As a substitute for sugar-sweetened beverages, low-calorie beverages offer the potential to satisfy both thirst and an innate desire for sweetness with minimal caloric load. Replacing an energy-containing beverage with an energy-free one may reduce energy intake, depending on the extent of compensation, both short-term and long-term.
Sugary beverages, like soda, contain lots of calories and few nutrients. As a result, consuming these beverages can increase risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and obesity. Beverages that have few, or zero, calories per serving are healthier choices. The best options include:
•Water (including tap water, bottled water, sparkling/seltzer water, mineral water, or water with a splash of 100% fruit juice)
•Tea or coffee (plain, or with a small amount of sugar and/or low-fat or skim milk)Low-sodium vegetable juice (such as V8)
• Low-fat or skim milk
• Low-calorie bottled or fountain beverages
• Smaller quantities of less-healthy beverages, when necessary to serve
Low-calorie beverages
