NEW ORLEANS – At Experimental Biology 2009, Dr. Maureen Storey, senior vice president of science policy for the American Beverage Association, today briefed colleagues on her new analysis indicating that consumers of all ages are drinking more lower-calorie beverages than they did several years ago. The data are from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) – the largest and longest-running national, publicly available source of health and nutrition data in the United States.
"The data show that the American public is taking advantage of the many beverage innovations being developed by the beverage industry, including the introduction of new no- and low-calorie beverages," Dr. Storey said. "This is good news because consumers are beginning to take advantage of lower-calorie beverage options that can help in balancing energy from calories consumed with energy from calories burned through exercise."
Importantly, Dr. Storey's findings indicate that the beverage marketplace works to anticipate and meet consumer expectations and demands through innovation in product offerings. Key findings of Dr. Storey's research are:
"Beverages are an important source of hydration for all populations," Storey added. "Making appropriate beverage choices is just as important as eating a balanced diet and getting regular exercise."
Dr. Storey's research will be submitted to a peer-reviewed journal for publication.
The American Beverage Association is the trade association representing the broad spectrum of companies that manufacture and distribute non-alcoholic beverages in the United States.