Thailand’s Department of Health has launched a new sugar standard today, February 11, reducing the "normal sweet" level in beverages to 50% of the original recipe. This initiative, a collaborative effort with nine major beverage brands like Café Amazon and Black Canyon, aims to curb excessive sugar intake by adjusting the default sweetness in drinks. Customers will now receive drinks significantly reduced in sugar content when ordering at the standard sweetness level.
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This policy change addresses the prior issue of default sugar levels in beverages surpassing health recommendations, which has contributed to rising cases of weight gain and non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Previously, a 16-ounce iced coffee contained about 7.3 teaspoons of sugar, which will now be reduced to 3.7 teaspoons. Similarly, Thai iced tea will see its sugar content drop from 6.6 to 3.3 teaspoons.
The Department of Health detailed the benefits of reduced sugar, emphasizing improved skin health, energy stability, and reduced abdominal fat. They highlighted how the new measure can slow aging by preventing glycation, and enhance mental focus by stabilizing blood sugar levels. Additionally, retraining taste buds to enjoy less processed foods is anticipated, potentially reducing strain on metabolic organs and lowering the risk of conditions like type 2 diabetes.
According to the department, adjusting to these changes can initially be challenging, as sweet taste receptors regenerate every 14 days. They advise persistence for consumers adjusting to the new sugar levels, suggesting that beverages may not taste "delicious" at first but will become more palatable over time, reported The Thaiger.
Key Takeaways
Thailand’s new measure cuts default sugar content in drinks by 50%.
The initiative targets better health outcomes and reduced NCDs.
Adjustment to new sweetness levels may take time for consumers.
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Adapted by ASEAN Now · The Thaiger · 11 Feb 2026
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