Sugary soft drinks deliver rapid doses of liquid sugar with little nutritional value, and are linked to obesity, diabetes, heart disease and other long-term health risks.
Sugary soft drinks are one of the clearest examples of an ultra-processed product that offers little more than sugar and calories, according to CNBC’s report on the subject. The piece cites Jinan Banna, a nutrition professor at the University of Hawaii and a registered dietitian, who says these drinks contain many artificial additives while contributing almost nothing in the way of vitamins, minerals or fibre. That makes them, in effect, a source of so-called empty calories rather than meaningful nutrition.
The main problem is not just what these drinks contain, but how the body handles them. Healthline notes that liquid sugar is absorbed quickly, which can trigger sharp rises in blood glucose followed by a return of hunger soon afterwards. The result can be overeating and weight gain over time. The CDC likewise says sugar-sweetened beverages are linked with obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, tooth decay, gout and fatty liver disease, while the American Heart Association says daily intake raises cardiovascular and diabetes risk even for people who exercise regularly.
CNBC also points to a broader concern: these drinks are part of a wider pattern of ultra-processed eating that may carry long-term consequences beyond weight management. Research discussed by the American College of Cardiology in 2025 found that higher intake of ultra-processed food was associated with increased risk of hypertension, cardiovascular events, cancer and other poor outcomes. Separate reporting cited by CNBC suggested that very high consumption of ultra-processed foods could shorten life expectancy by more than 10%, underscoring how strongly diet quality can shape health over time.
For people looking to cut back, the simplest substitute is often also the best. Banna recommends water, including sparkling water, as well as tea, and says coffee can fit into a healthy pattern when consumed in moderation. The CDC’s “Rethink Your Drink” campaign reaches a similar conclusion, encouraging people to move away from sweetened beverages, which it says are a leading source of added sugar in the American diet, and towards unsweetened alternatives.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
