Thai Beverage Chains Reduce Default Sugar by Half

March 1, 2026 4

Thailand’s major coffee chains agree to halve sugar in drinks, tackling high consumption linked to obesity and diabetes.

Thai Beverage Chains Reduce Default Sugar by Half

Cutting default sugar levels in popular beverages by half marks a bold national move to curb soaring sugar intake and related health risks in Thailand. (1^✔ ✔Trusted Source
Thai coffee chains cut default sugar content in coffee and tea drinks in a new health push

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For many Thais, a meal feels incomplete without an iced coffee or tea sweet enough to resemble dessert. Concerned about the health impact of this habit, the government is urging people to reduce their sugar consumption.

Beginning Wednesday, nine leading coffee chains nationwide have committed to reducing the standard sugar content in selected beverages by 50 percent under a government campaign designed to address excessive sugar intake.

Rising Sugar Intake and Health Risks

Data from the Health Department indicate that Thais consume an average of 21 teaspoons of sugar daily, exceeding the World Health Organization’s recommended limit of six teaspoons by more than threefold.

Health authorities caution that such elevated consumption heightens the likelihood of obesity, diabetes, and other illnesses.

Amporn Benjaponpitak, director general of the department, described the campaign as the first meaningful effort to reshape consumer behavior regarding sugar consumption.

Obesity and Diabetes Statistics in 2025

Pakorn Tungkasereerak, deputy director of the department, stated that figures from 2025 reveal approximately 45 percent of Thais aged 15 years and older are obese, while 10 percent of the population is living with diabetes.

Findings from a survey conducted by the Bureau of Nutrition show that a 22 ounce (650 milliliter) iced coffee contains an average of nine teaspoons of sugar.

Meanwhile, a 10 ounce (300 milliliter) serving of bubble milk tea, an iced milk tea with tapioca pearls commonly known as boba, can contain up to 12 teaspoons.

Public Reactions to Reduced Sweetness Levels

Sirinya Kuiklang, an office employee, expressed support for the adjustments. She already orders her beverages with only 25 percent of the usual sugar level but recognizes that many others consume excessive amounts of sugar. “It’s good for Thai people,” she said.

Another office employee, Porwares Tantikanpanit, shared that he has typically enjoyed non coffee drinks at their existing sweetness but is open to adapting if stores lower sugar levels.

Challenges in Implementing the Policy

Implementing the measure could present obstacles. Authorities have indicated that each brand has flexibility in how it applies the initiative.

Social media posts promoting the campaign have led to some confusion among customers, with questions arising about how to request preferred sweetness levels. Several companies clarified that the sugar reduction applies only to specific menu items.

Reference:

Thai coffee chains cut default sugar content in coffee and tea drinks in a new health push (https://fox59.com/news/health/ap-health/ap-thai-coffee-chains-cut-default-sugar-content-in-coffee-and-tea-drinks-in-a-new-health-push/)

Source-Medindia