Which Drinks Will Germany's Coming 'Sugar Tax' Really Apply To?
The draft would add a three-tier levy to zero drinks and oat milk, and officials estimate it could raise about €2 billion a year.
- Germany's Finance Ministry proposed an expanded sugar tax for 2027, targeting beverages beyond sugary soft drinks. Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil's draft lowers the sugar threshold to 4.5 grams per 100 millilitres and projects €650 million in annual revenue.
- The proposal establishes a three-tier levy: 26 cents per litre for drinks with 4.5 to 7 grams of sugar, 32 cents for 7 to 10 grams, and 38 cents for over 10 grams. This structure targets health concerns while generating revenue.
- Critics, including industry representatives and consumers, warn of a "double tax" because VAT applies to the final retail price. The draft initially proposed extending levies to oat drinks and various non-sugary beverages.
- Following intense scrutiny, Klingbeil ruled out taxing sugar-free sodas, stating "it won't happen." Products like Diet Coke or Sprite Zero remain exempt from the proposed levy despite earlier draft provisions.
- Opposition to the proposal remains high; Green Party leader Felix Banaszak told Welt the tax risks being used "simply to plug holes in the budget," while Hesse state premier Boris Rhein demanded rejection of further food costs.
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55 Articles
According to media reports, the sugar tax planned by the government could be more extensive than previously known. According to a key point paper, the tax should not only be levied on sugary drinks such as lemonade, but also on nectar, smoothies and grain-based drinks such as oat milk.
Presseportal
Mittelstand CafeAfD-Fraktion im Deutschen Bundestag [Newsroom]Berlin (ots) - The Federal Government is planning a sugar beverage tax, which is to be introduced as early as 2027. According to reports about a concept of the Federal Ministry of Finance, the rates should be 26, 32 depending on the sugar content ... Continue reading here...Original content of: AfD-Fraktion im Deutschen Bundestag, transmitted by news aktuell
A sugar tax has been in the room for a long time. Now it could even affect sugar-free zero products.
The sugar tax in Germany is to come from 2027. But before it is finally decided, it will become more stringent. All information, read here:
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