A new study supports calls for a sugar tax as a means to protect children’s health. According to a Forsa poll commissioned by Foodwatch and reported by several German newspapers, 60 % of respondents would favor a tiered levy on highly sweetened drinks-higher tax rates for beverages with higher sugar content-while 38 % opposed it.
Women were more likely than men to back the measure (66 % versus 55 %). Those earning up to €2,500 net per month were somewhat more skeptical than higher‑income participants, though households with children gave the proposal more encouragement.
When asked whether policymakers should “take action” to reduce the sugar content of drinks, 73 % agreed. Of those, 51 % said they fully agreed and 22 % said they agreed to a lesser extent. Respondents cited cola, lemonade, and iced tea as examples of sugary beverages that should be taxed.
Foodwatch has long campaigned for a sugar tax, a view also supported by Schleswig‑Holstein’s Christian‑Democratic prime minister, Daniel Günther. A draft bill will be considered by the CDU federal convention at the end of next week in Stuttgart. Luise Molling of Foodwatch urged the Christian‑Democrats to approve the proposal, arguing that Germany must adopt decisive measures for healthier eating-pointing to Britain’s successful “Limo‑tax” as proof of effectiveness.
The Forsa survey involved 1,003 adults, conducted by computer‑based telephone interviews from 3 to 5 February.
