MEDIA RELEASE
2 May 2006
Kiwi Fizzy Drink Consumption Doubles in Five Years
Major factor in excessive calorie intake amongst school children
The well known New Zealand catch phrase ‘who ate all the pies?’, used to remark on overweight people, could just as
easily be ‘who slurped all the fizzy drink?’ according to research which shows consumption of sugary soft drinks is sky
rocketing in New Zealand.
The research1, highlighted by Fonterra Brands, shows that consumption of soft drink in New Zealand has doubled over a
five year period to around two litres per person per week. This massive increase lifts New Zealand to the eleventh
ranked soft-drink consumer per capita in the world.
Soft or fizzy drinks are cited as a major contributing factor to excessive calorie consumption in kiwi school children
aged 6-12 years. On average children who drink fizzy drinks take in 244 more calories per day than children who do not.
This could equate to a 5kg weight gain per child over a 12 month period (based on a child consuming 244 more calories
than used for energy expenditure each day).
Nutrition Manager for Fonterra Brands, Beverly Watson, says it’s important that children are encouraged to drink
healthier substitutes such as low fat, plain or flavoured milk or water.
“As children move into adolescence, the time when they need the most vitamins and nutrients such as calcium, they tend
to drink less milk and more sugary soft drinks," says Beverly. “I’m not suggesting they should never have a can of fizzy
drink, rather be encouraged to try alternatives.
“A recent US study reported that children who avoid milk tend to be more overweight than children who drink milk. The
risk of type two diabetes and weight gain is also increased with excess intake of sugary beverages.
“Milk also provides more nutrients per millilitre than any other natural drink. In particular milk is an important
source of calcium and vitamin D.”
A 2002 National Children’s Nutrition Survey showed that over one quarter (28%) of kiwi kids are calcium deficient. This
number is much higher for Pacific Island children (40%).
ENDS
1. Ludwig DS, Perterson KE, Gortmaker SL. Relation between consumption of sugar-sweetened drinks and childhood obesity:
a prospective, observational analysis. Lancet 2001