Sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption is a risk factor for childhood obesity. Including this measure in electronic health records (EHR) could enhance clinical care and facilitate research on this topic. We implemented a single-item, EHR screening question for SSB and 100% fruit juice at 8 pediatric practices affiliated with a North Carolina academic medical center. From March-December 2017, we evaluated SSB screening of children 6 months-17 years of age. In a sub-sample of screened patients, we also conducted a telephone-based validation survey, comparing EHR-based responses to a lengthier beverage questionnaire. 22,626 children (91% of all seen) were screened for SSB intake. The screened population was diverse – 35% non-Hispanic White, 26% African-American, and 30% Hispanic. Consistent with national estimates, reported intake was typically higher than recommended: 41% (n = 9220) reported consuming SSB or fruit juice >1×/day in the past month, and consumption was higher among race/ethnic minorities. Of 201 validation survey respondents, direct correlation between their beverage survey and EHR screener responses was moderate. EHR-based screening for SSBs and fruit juice was successfully implemented, generating a large volume of SSB consumption data in a diverse patient population.