The Thai Department of Health has recently implemented a new sugar standard for beverages. The “normal sweet” level has been redefined as just 50% of the original recipe, as part of a nationwide collaboration between the Department of Health and nine major beverage brands.
This change is based on behavioral economics principles, resetting the default sugar level. Previously, the “normal sweet” option often exceeded health recommendations, contributing to excessive sugar intake, weight gain, and non-communicable diseases (NCDs). For example, a typical 16-ounce iced coffee that previously contained around 7.3 teaspoons of sugar at 100% sweetness will now have just 3.7 teaspoons, and Thai iced tea, previously at 6.6 teaspoons, will now be served with 3.3 teaspoons of sugar.
The Department of Health outlined five benefits of reducing sugar intake, beyond disease prevention. These include supporting healthier skin and slowing aging, improving energy stability and mental focus, reducing abdominal fat and water retention, enhancing natural taste sensitivity, and easing the burden on metabolic organs. The department noted that sweet taste receptors typically regenerate every 14 days, and a 50% sweet drink may not taste “delicious” the first time, calling for persistence in light of the change.