Drinkable Dairy Should Be Exempt from Sugar Taxes, Says EDA

As more governments adopt sugar taxes to encourage healthier eating habits, the European Dairy Association (EDA) is warning that drinkable dairy products are at risk of being unfairly penalized—despite containing only natural sugars and offering valuable nutritional benefits.

The EDA is calling for the exclusion of dairy products from sugar tax regulations. These products, it argues, are essential components of a balanced diet and have already undergone significant reductions in added sugars over recent years.

“Dairy is a nutrient-dense food, not a sugary beverage,” the EDA states in its newly released Position Paper. “It provides essential vitamins, minerals, and proteins that are particularly important for children, adolescents, and the elderly.”

The EDA urges policymakers to recognize the unique role of dairy in public health and ensure that legislation reflects the difference between naturally nutritious foods and sugar-sweetened beverages.