BANGKOK, THAILAND – Thailand announced a new national standard that would halve the sugar content of drinks sold at “normal” sweetness levels from 2026.
New national sugar standard set for 2026
From 11 February 2026, the Health Ministry’s guideline called “Normal Sweetness = 50% Sweetness” was to take effect across the country. Under the new definition, iced coffee, milk tea or fruit juice ordered at “normal sweetness” would contain only about half the sugar of previous recipes.
“The goal was clear: we had to reduce the nation’s sugar intake in order to combat non-communicable diseases.”
said Dr. Amporn Benjapolpitak, director at the Health Ministry.
Major coffee chains back the plan
Officials said the success of the measure depended on cooperation from the beverage industry. At a key meeting on 15 January, a powerful alliance of businesses pledged support for the standard.
Large chains such as Inthanin (Bangchak), Café Amazon (PTT), All Café (CP All) and Black Canyon, as well as the Thai Coffee Association and Intercoffee, backed the move. Health officials described the policy as part of a systematic collaboration between the state, business and society to ensure it would be sustainable.
Default option changes, not consumer choice
Authorities stressed that the government would not force companies to change recipes entirely. Instead, the new rule targeted the default setting offered to customers.
Under the guideline, anyone ordering a drink “normal” would automatically receive the reduced-sugar version, while those wanting extra sweetness would have to ask for it. Health officials said the 50% option was already available in many outlets but would now become the standard offer.
“We wanted to gradually shift consumer preferences towards a healthier sugar level.”
said health officials, according to the ministry.
Rising burden of lifestyle diseases
Thailand, like many industrialised and emerging economies, was struggling with an epidemic of lifestyle-related diseases. Diabetes, obesity and heart disease were costing the health system billions, according to officials.
Sweetened drinks were identified as one of the main sources of hidden sugar in daily diets. A single sweet milk tea could often exceed the entire daily sugar limit recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Preventive strike against ‘hidden’ sugar
The ministry framed the new standard as a preventive step against these risks. Officials said the measure was intended to raise awareness and encourage healthier habits among consumers.
Public health advocates welcomed the move as long overdue. The Thai Health Promotion Foundation had campaigned for such measures for years, arguing that structural changes were needed to cut sugar intake.
Mixed reactions from critics and consumers
Some critics warned that the guideline could be seen as an intrusion into individual choice or prove difficult to implement at small street stalls. Officials acknowledged that customer acceptance would be crucial for the policy’s success.
“Stay open-minded and try less sweet drinks.”
said Dr. Saipin Chotivichien, adding that taste often adapted more quickly than many people expected. She described the shift as an important step for the nation’s health.