Adherence
Implementation of a 1 peso per liter excise tax on sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) in Mexico resulted in a statistically significant 7.3% reduction in per capita SSB sales and a 5.2% increase in plain water sales over a two-year post-tax period.
This study confirms that fiscal policies, specifically taxes on sugary drinks, are effective at reducing consumption. For policymakers, it validates that even modest taxes (like Mexico's 1 peso/liter) can drive measurable behavioral change, specifically shifting consumers toward water. For individuals, it suggests that price signals are a powerful tool for reducing SSB intake, and that substitution to water is a viable and common response to such taxes.
We found a decrease of 7.3% in per capita sales of SSB and an increase of 5.2% of per capita sales of plain water in 2014–2015 compared to the pre-tax period (2007–2013).
Why this rating
High-quality observational data using a long pre/post period (8 years) and robust statistical adjustment for seasonality and economic activity, though causality is limited by the lack of a control group (single jurisdiction).
Source
Beverages Sales in Mexico before and after Implementation of a Sugar Sweetened Beverage Tax
M. Arantxa Colchero et al. · PLoS ONE · 2016
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