New Survey Reveals a Nation Sweet on Sugared Drinks

According to the survey results, seven in ten (70%) Americans think the calorie content of food and drinks are equally important to pay attention to when they are keeping track of their daily caloric intake.

13 Apr 2010 --- According to a new survey released by Nestlé Pure Life brand bottled water, Americans realize that consumption of sugared drinks contributes to their daily caloric intake. However, the reality is that many are not as conscious of calories when it comes to their beverage choice. With the average American guzzling three sugared drinks each day, caloric intake from beverages is on the rise, as are the health risks associated with these liquid calories.

To help educate families about healthier drinking habits, Nestlé Pure Life is unveiling a new initiative, the Nestlé Pure Life Pledge. The goal of the Pledge is to eliminate one billion calories from American families' diets in 2010. If 10,000 families of three replace a typical 12 oz sugared beverage per person, per day with water for one year they can save up to 50,000 calories. For each family that participates, Nestlé Pure Life will make a $5 donation to the Healthy Kids Challenge (up to $50,000) to support the fight against childhood obesity.

"Encouraging parents to pay attention to the calories that come from beverages can have a positive impact on the health of families across the country," says Bob Greene, Oprah's fitness guru, founder of the Best Life, and spokesperson for Nestlé Pure Life. "Keeping well-hydrated throughout the day – with beverages that don't pour on the calories – is critical to staying healthy."

According to the survey results, seven in ten (70%) Americans think the calorie content of food and drinks are equally important to pay attention to when they are keeping track of their daily caloric intake. Yet, the reality is that less than half (43%) rarely, if ever, pay attention to the calorie content of the drinks they enjoy and serve to their families. And less than a quarter (23%) make this a priority all of the time.

Likewise, younger Americans (ages 18-34) are more lax when it comes to monitoring their calorie intake than their 35 and older counterparts (52% vs. 39%) because they rarely, if ever, check the calorie content of the beverages they drink.

"We are thrilled to be partnering with Nestlé Pure Life to help raise awareness among families about the caloric impact beverages can have on daily intake, and the importance of establishing healthful beverage habits at an early age," said Vickie L. James, R.D., L.D., director, Healthy Kids Challenge. "We'll be offering ideas, tips, and education to families during the campaign to encourage healthier hydration. Together we can help eliminate excess calories and build better futures for our families."

To take the Nestlé Pure Life Pledge, registered participants will be asked to commit their family to swapping one sugared drink for water per day for one year.