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  1. Canada.ca
  2. Health
  3. Food and nutrition
  4. Canada's food guide
  5. Healthy eating recommendations
  6. Make water your drink of choice
Canada’s food guide

Sugary drinks

Replacing sugary drinks with water can have an impact on your overall health.

On this page

  • Benefits of replacing sugary drinks with water
  • How to replace sugary drinks with water

Benefits of replacing sugary drinks with water

Replacing sugary drinks with water will help reduce the amount of sugars you drink.

Drinking sugary drinks may lead to increased risk of:

  • obesity
  • type 2 diabetes
  • cavities in children

Sugary drinks can include:

  • iced tea
  • fruit juice
  • soft drinks
  • sports drinks
  • energy drinks
  • alcoholic beverages
  • fruit-flavoured drinks and punches
  • sweetened plant-based beverages
  • flavoured waters with added sugars
  • sweetened milks like chocolate milk
  • sweetened hot or cold tea, coffee, hot chocolate and other specialty drinks

How to replace sugary drinks with water

Choose water instead of sugary drinks.

Be mindful of when you may be likely to have sugary drinks. This may be when you are:

  • thirsty
  • eating out
  • enjoying leisure time
  • breaking for a coffee or tea
  • celebrating a special occasion
  • being physically active or playing sports
  • choosing a drink to go along with your food

Be sure to choose water instead.

Further reading

  • Sugary drinks and your teen
  • Sugars
  • Caffeine and kids
  • Diabetes
  • Childhood obesity
  • Alcohol
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Date modified:
2020-10-14

Section Menu

  • Healthy food choices
  • Eat a variety of healthy foods
    Expand
    • Eat plenty of vegetables and fruits
    • Eat whole grain foods
    • Eat protein foods
    • Choose foods with healthy fats
  • Limit highly processed foods
    Expand
    • Prepare foods with healthy ingredients
    • Choose healthier menu options
  • Make water your drink of choice
    Expand
    • Replace sugary drinks
      Expand
      • Sugary drinks and your teen
  • Use food labels
  • Be aware of food marketing
    Expand
    • Limit kids’ exposure to food marketing
  • Healthy eating habits
  • Be mindful of your eating habits
    Expand
    • Take time to eat
    • Notice your hunger cues
  • Cook more often
    Expand
    • Plan what you eat
    • Involve others
  • Enjoy your food
    Expand
    • Include culture and food traditions
  • Eat meals with others

For recipes and more food guide resources visit:

Canada.ca/FoodGuide

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