WHO Calls for Higher Taxes on Sugary Drinks and Alcohol

• 15 Jan 2026

On 13th January 2026, the World Health Organization urged governments to significantly increase taxes on fruit juices, sugary drinks, and alcohol to curb the rising burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), particularly among children and young adults.

Key Points:

• Rising Health Burden: WHO linked low taxation of sugary drinks and alcohol to increasing cases of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, cancers and injuries worldwide.
• Cheaper Harmful Products: Two new WHO global reports warn that sugary drinks and alcoholic beverages are becoming more affordable due to consistently low tax rates in most countries.
• Tax Gaps on Sugary Drinks: While over 100 countries tax sodas, many high-sugar products- such as 100% fruit juices, sweetened milk drinks, and ready-to-drink coffees and teas, often escape taxation.
• Low Effective Taxation: The median tax on sugary drinks accounts for only about 2% of the retail price of a typical soda, and few countries adjust these taxes for inflation.
• Alcohol Taxation Trends: Alcohol has become more affordable or unchanged in price since 2022 in most countries; global excise tax medians stand at 14% for beer and 22.5% for spirits.
• Global Alcohol Policies: At least 167 countries levy taxes on alcohol, while 12 countries ban alcohol entirely.