Health Minister Nina Warken (CDU) has indicated that the planned sugar tax is projected to generate approximately 650 million euros next year and would apply to sugar-sweetened beverages. Warken told the “Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland” that details would be coordinated with the Ministry of Finance, aligning with the expert suggestions of the health finance commission she appointed. Although the measure has been finalized as a tax rather than a simple levy, any resulting additional revenue will benefit insured persons. She confirmed that the austerity package stipulates that health insurance will receive increased tax funds in return.
The commission had recommended a tiered surcharge structure. Specifically, starting in 2027, beverages containing a sugar content between 5 and 8 grams per 100 milliliters would be subject to a rate of 26 cents per liter. For drinks with over 8 grams per 100 milliliters, the rate would be 32 cents. As an example, a 1.5-liter bottle of Cola (with a sugar content of 10.6 grams per 100 milliliters) would cost nearly 60 cents more, unless the company chooses to reduce the sugar content.
