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Healthy default beverage (HDB) policies are one policy approach to limiting kids’ sugary drink consumption and encouraging healthier beverage consumption. These policies specifically require restaurants to offer only healthier drinks (e.g., water, milk, 100% juice) instead of sugary drinks as the default options with kids’ meals, a combination of food and drink items sold as a single unit. California’s state HDB policy (SB-1192) took effect January 1, 2019. A similar city ordinance (Ordinance No. 18-046) in Wilmington, Del., took effect Jan. 6, 2019. This brief highlights findings from joint research conducted by the Nutrition Policy Institute (NPI) at the University of California Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources and the Center for Research in Education and Social Policy (CRESP) at the University of Delaware to evaluate implementation and restaurant manager perceptions of this policy approach. The brief also discusses future research needs and new questions that have emerged in the era of COVID-19.
Published: August 2020
ID #: CAS059
Publisher: Healthy Eating Research
Authors: Karpyn A, Ritchie L, Harpainter P, Lessard L, Tsai M, Atkins J, McCallops K, Tracy T, Woodward-Lopez G, and Gosliner W
Age Groups: Adults and Families, Elementary-age children (grades K to 5), Young adolescents (grades 6 to 8)
Focus Areas: Beverages, Food Retail
States: California, Delaware
Keywords: Menu Labeling, Nutrition standards, Restaurant, Sugar-sweetened beverages
Resource Type: Research Brief
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