Liquid Sugar: Sugary Beverage Consumption Among Young California Children

Susan Babey, co-director of the Center’s Chronic Disease Program, and her co-author Joelle Wolstein, a Center research scientist, discussed findings from their latest fact sheet that reports nearly one in three young California children ― including some as young as two years old ― drink one or more sugar-sweetened beverages a day. They discussed the marketing of sugary beverages to kids and the disparities in consumption based on income and race and ethnicity. The authors also provided a sneak peek at their upcoming CHIS-based study that includes teen consumption rates in California. Sugar-sweetened beverages―such as soda, fruit drinks with added sugar, and sports and energy drinks ― are the largest source of added sugar in the diets of children and adults in the U.S. and contribute to Type 2 diabetes, obesity and tooth decay.

Speakers

Susan H. Babey

Susan H. Babey

Director of Research

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Joelle Wolstein

Joelle Wolstein

Research Scientist

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Tuesday, December 09, 2025

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