New research suggests sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) may be associated with higher anxiety symptoms in young people. A systematic review and meta-analysis led by Bournemouth University pooled nine studies and found that high consumption of SSBs was linked with a 34% greater risk of anxiety among adolescents. Seven of the nine studies reported a statistically significant positive association. The analysis was published Feb. 10 in the Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics and is the first systematic review to focus specifically on this age group.
Study co-author Chloe Casey, PhD, a nutrition lecturer at Bournemouth University, noted that public health messaging has largely emphasized physical harms of poor diets while mental health effects—particularly from energy-dense, nutrient-poor drinks—have received less attention. The authors say their findings point to a potentially modifiable lifestyle factor to consider as anxiety rates rise in youth.
Context and expert perspectives
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 60% of young people consume an SSB on any given day. Nutrition experts not involved in the review called the results consistent with other evidence linking high sugar intake to poorer mental health. Registered dietitian Whitney Linsenmeyer, PhD, explains that SSBs are “empty calorie” sources whose sugars are rapidly absorbed, producing blood sugar spikes and crashes that can influence mood. She also reminds people that many beverages beyond soda qualify as SSBs—energy drinks, flavored milks, sweetened coffee drinks, iced teas, and lemonade can contain as much or more added sugar than a typical 12-oz soda (about 39 grams of added sugar), and some energy drinks contain even more.
Dana Hunnes, PhD, a senior dietitian at UCLA Health, adds that diet can affect neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine, which play roles in mood regulation. Pediatrician Daniel Ganjian points out that sugar-related spikes and subsequent drops in blood sugar can heighten jitteriness or nervousness, potentially exacerbating anxiety symptoms.
Association, not proof of causation
Experts emphasize that the observed link is associative, not proof that SSBs cause anxiety. High sugary-drink intake may coincide with broader patterns—poor sleep, low overall diet quality, higher stress, and other lifestyle factors—that also raise anxiety risk. Registered dietitian Wesley McWhorter warns that a pattern of highly processed, high-sugar foods and drinks can increase physiological and emotional instability, whereas balanced meals with protein, fiber, and healthy fats help maintain steadier energy and mood. While diet can support mental health resilience, it is not a substitute for clinical treatment when needed.
Practical steps and alternatives
The study authors and nutrition experts suggest reducing SSB intake as a reasonable, practical step. Alternatives include flavored sparkling water, sparkling water with a splash of real fruit juice, unsweetened herbal teas, plain milk, and fruit-infused water made with slices of orange, lemon, lime, or berries. Some experts recommend treating SSBs like desserts—occasional treats rather than daily hydration.
Bottom line
A Bournemouth University meta-analysis links high SSB consumption with increased anxiety symptoms in adolescents, but more research is needed to establish causality. Cutting back on sugary beverages and choosing lower-sugar options may be a simple, supportive measure for both physical and mental health in young people.