Kiwis’ soft drink consumption

Media release

25th February 2014

Kiwis’ soft drink consumption

On the back of the soft drink/unhealthy food debate, results from Southern Cross Health Society’s annual health survey show 35% of New Zealanders think they consume too many soft drinks.

Furthermore, 16% of the population said they consume more than five soft/energy drinks a week.

In its survey Southern Cross asked Kiwis about their eating habits and while a significant amount think they over-indulge in fizzy drinks, 43% of those surveyed said they don’t drink soft drinks at all and 20% reported having one a week.

Age and region may play a role in consumption. 29% of Christchurch residents under 40 years and 27% of Tauranga residents under 40 years drink more than five servings a week. They are aware of it though - 55% of those under 40 in Tauranga saying they consume too many soft drinks.

Conversely, 67% of those aged over 40 living in Tauranga consume no soft drinks, the highest percentage in the country.

Aside from soft drinks two other foods people feel they over-consume are chocolate/lollies (41%) and biscuits (30%).

When it comes to indulging a sweet tooth, those over 50 years of age consumed chocolate/lollies and biscuits more than five times a week and, of the 14% that drank alcohol more than five times a week, 60% were over 50.

The majority of New Zealanders regularly eat fruit (66%) and vegetables (75%) more than five times a week with Wellingtonians consuming more fruit and vegetables than the rest of the country.

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