What in the World - Why are some sugary drinks more expensive?

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Sugar taxes are in place in several countries including Mexico and the UK. And they’re evolving. Maybe you’ve noticed that some sweet fizzy drinks are getting more expensive? Buying drinks with added sugar has an extra cost, which is commonly known as sugar tax. It’s a way to discourage people from consuming too much sugar - something which can lead to poor health if consumed in excess. But do these sugar taxes work? Our BBC colleague Maria Clara Montoya has been looking into this with the help of Elisa Pineda, a public health expert from The George Institute for Global Health at Imperial College London.

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Presenter: Iqra Farooq
Producers: Mora Morrison and Maria Clara Montoya
Editor: Verity Wilde

Published on Monday, 1st December 2025.

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