Sep/091
Surprising Numbers from a Survey of California Soda Habits
Some really surprising information coming out of California. The UCLA Center for Health Policy and the California Center for Public Health Advocacy has released some statistics on the soda drinking habits of Californians. I suspect that these stats could widely be applied to the majority of the US population. Some interesting stats:
- 24% of California adults drink at least one soda or other sweetened beverage each day
- 41% of children between ages 2 and 11 drink at least a soda a day
- 62% of teens drink at least a soda a day
- 13% of 12-to-17-year-olds drink three or more sodas on a daily basis
These stats, from a 2005 California Health Interview Survey, show that soda consumption is widespread in the state. The survey finally found that adults who drink soda or sugary drinks daily are 27% more likely to be overweight.
(credit LA Times “Booster Shots” blog, Photo courtesy of ab4dd0n)
Sep/090
The Soda Tax, Obama’s Take, Round 2
It looks like the idea of a soda tax is back again, but did it ever really go away? I would hate to tax something that should be regulated by the free market, but this time it looks like the economy and a want for new revenue streams may get the best of us. Hopefully, everyone will benefit by raising some money for the US Government, while reducing sugar consumption. Unfortunately this tax will also impact the largest consumers of soda, which may also be the same citizens who can afford a new tax the least.
Obama has made some comments about a soda tax in an upcoming issue of Men’s Health. In the article, he states that “There’s no doubt that our kids drink way too much soda. And every study that’s been done about obesity shows that there is as high a correlation between increased soda consumption and obesity as just about anything else“. To counter that, he also states “people’s attitude is that they don’t necessarily want Big Brother telling them what to eat or drink, and I understand that“.
They are also calling this a “sin tax” and putting it in the same category as the cigarette taxes. It should be interesting to see how this plays out in the news media.
(via)
Jul/090
First All Natural, Zero Calorie Soda Replacement
All natural soda replacements are on the way! Zevia, which uses stevia as a sugar replacement, uses 100% natural flavors. I doubt it will taste exactly like “real” or even diet soda, but it does pose a good alternative to those addicted to the can.
Zevia is being introduced in six flavors: ZEVIA Natural Cola, ZEVIA Natural Orange, ZEVIA Natural Twist, ZEVIA Natural Root Beer, ZEVIA Natural Black Cherry and ZEVIA Natural Ginger Ale.
The ingredient used to replace sugar, stevia, is an herb native to South and Central America. Stevia’s taste has a slower onset than sugar, which may put off some Zevia drinkers. Without actually trying some, it would be hard to say.
You can get Zevia at Whole Foods or many other locations.
Glad to see some soda alternatives out there made from natural substances!
Jul/090
Coca-Cola Develops Machine To Maximize Your Soda Consumption
If soda just isn’t available to you enough, especially those hard-to-find flavors of soda, you are in luck!
Coca-Cola, in development with Bsquare, is designing a high-volume soda dispenser to replace those old-ones of the 20th century. Code named “Freestyle”, the machine can serve up to 100 flavors. How does it do this? It uses technology based on the exact doses dialysis equipment uses combined with highly condensed soda concentrate to deliver exact quantities and proportions of the ingredients that make up your soft drink.
Here is a short clip of the machine in action:
An onboard computer uses RFID to make sure the 46-ounce cartridge are loaded in the correct spots. The computer can also be used to send usage data back to Coke headquarters so that they can analyze details usage data and decide where machines need to be added or removed.
The Freestyle machines are currently being tested in Georgia, California, and Utah. Coca-Cola plans to place around 60 test machines around the United States by the end of the summer. Aren’t we lucky?
Originally seen from FastCompany.
People talking about soda!
- Imagine um trabalho onde vc tem bedéis na sua cola... March 11, 2010 madgam3r (andrepupo)
- Goesting in Cola. Coca Cola. Must... Resist... March 11, 2010 fons_be (Peter Van Hende)
- Nueva Entrada: Coca Cola conquistando el ... http://bit.ly/bgaTtq March 11, 2010 conexioncentral (Conexión Central)
- Ngaco aj ni anak!! Lo pikir lg d warkop minum soda susu!!! Wkwkwk..RT @ayunohime: Cb minum soda susu bu @niechaanies@VeroNiken March 11, 2010 VeroNiken (Veronica Niken)
- 1945-03-11 : Rum and Coca-Cola by The Andrews Sisters: Question: What was the #1 song in the USA on the 11th of M... http://bit.ly/cOcVyt March 11, 2010 number1songsusa (Sanjeev Narang)
- Lobbyists lining up against Nutter's soda tax http://bit.ly/9OJm6t March 11, 2010 Phillybusiness (Philly.com Business)
- Oranges make me have to poop, I shouldn't have bought this orange coke. March 11, 2010 yasminn469 (yasminn)
- Your thoughts on taxing junk food? RT @gplot: It's official: Drinking too much soda can kill you http://bit.ly/9JrcO2 March 11, 2010 RachaelBrugger (Rachael Brugger)
- @its_all_gud * pours up* *mixes cream soda* *passes u da cup* lean on March 11, 2010 DJ_VSOP (remmy martin)
- :) pinterr nuruuut RT @chocochipsajaib: G jd minum coca cola ntr perut saia meletus tus tus!! Mw tiduuurr aja ah (cont) http://tl.gd/fk437 March 11, 2010 VinnieviL (Ipitch Akasah)