Coke and Pepsi Lobby Against Proposed SNAP Ban on Sugary Drinks

The battle over sugary drinks has reached Capitol Hill as major beverage companies Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, and Keurig Dr Pepper push back against a proposal to remove sugar-sweetened beverages from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), has sparked debate with his call to ban sugary drinks from SNAP benefits. The move is part of Kennedy’s broader push for public health improvements, including encouraging better eating habits over reliance on weight-loss drugs like GLP-1 medications.

Targeting “Big Soda”

Kennedy outlined his position in a Wall Street Journal op-ed, arguing against the use of taxpayer money to subsidize products that harm public health. “It’s nonsensical for U.S. taxpayers to spend tens of billions of dollars subsidizing junk that harms the health of low-income Americans,” he wrote.

SNAP, also known as the food stamp program, provides grocery assistance to millions of low-income Americans. However, critics have long pointed to the inclusion of sugar-laden products in SNAP-eligible items as a contributor to health issues such as obesity and diabetes.

Industry Pushback

Big Soda is fighting to keep sugary drinks on the list of SNAP-approved items, emphasizing the availability of healthier alternatives like zero-sugar drinks, seltzers, and bottled water. According to the American Beverage Association, these options now account for 60% of nonalcoholic packaged and fountain drink sales nationwide.

Lobbyists from Coca-Cola and PepsiCo have been meeting with lawmakers to argue against the proposed changes. They stress that clear calorie labelling and zero-sugar options empower consumers to make healthier choices without government intervention.

Legislative Hurdles

The removal of sugary drinks from SNAP would require Congressional approval, which could take years to achieve. Legislative efforts are already underway, with Senator Marco Rubio introducing the SNAP Nutrition Security Act and Representative Josh Brecheen reintroducing the Healthy SNAP Act. Both bills aim to restrict sugary and unhealthy items, including soft drinks, candy, and desserts, from being purchased with SNAP benefits.

Public Health and Economic Impact

Reports indicate that American taxpayers currently subsidize about $4 billion worth of soda products through SNAP annually. Research also shows that low-income adults consume an average of two sugar-sweetened beverages per day, raising concerns about the program’s impact on public health.

While the debate continues, Kennedy’s proposal has ignited a national conversation about the role of SNAP in addressing health disparities and the responsibilities of major beverage companies in promoting healthier choices.