Researchers looked at what beverages women of childbearing age drink across 185 countries from 1990 to 2018. They found big differences in drinking habits between rich and poor countries. Women in wealthier nations drink more milk and sugary drinks, while women in poorer regions drink less overall. The study shows that sugary beverage consumption has grown worldwide, but fruit juice drinking has actually decreased. These findings suggest that where you live and how wealthy your country is strongly influences what you drink—and this matters because beverage choices affect women’s health during their reproductive years.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: How much of different types of drinks (sugary sodas, coffee, fruit juice, tea, and milk) women aged 15-49 consume in different countries and how these habits have changed over 28 years
  • Who participated: Data from women of childbearing age (15-49 years old) across 185 countries, grouped by region and economic development level
  • Key finding: In 2018, women globally drank about 120 grams of sugary beverages daily, with much higher consumption in wealthy countries (3-4 servings per day) compared to poorer regions (1-2 servings per day). Milk consumption increased most strongly in wealthier nations, while fruit juice drinking decreased by 13% worldwide.
  • What it means for you: Your beverage choices are likely influenced by where you live and your country’s wealth level. If you live in a high-income country, you probably drink more sugary drinks and milk than women in lower-income regions. Being aware of this pattern can help you make healthier drink choices, especially if you’re planning pregnancy or are currently of childbearing age.

The Research Details

This was a large-scale analysis using data from the Global Dietary Database, which collected information about what people eat and drink across the world. Researchers gathered beverage consumption information from 185 countries and organized it by region and economic development level. They looked at five main beverage types: sugary drinks (like soda), coffee, fruit juice, tea, and milk. The researchers used statistical methods to estimate consumption amounts and account for uncertainty in their measurements. They then compared consumption patterns across different regions and examined how economic development related to drinking habits using a measure called the Socio-demographic Index (SDI), which reflects a country’s wealth, education, and healthcare quality.

Understanding global beverage consumption patterns is important because what women drink during their childbearing years can affect their health and their babies’ health. This large-scale approach allows researchers to see patterns that wouldn’t be visible in smaller studies and helps identify which regions might benefit most from public health efforts to improve beverage choices.

This study analyzed data from 185 countries, making it very comprehensive geographically. The researchers used established statistical methods and created uncertainty ranges around their findings, which shows they were careful about accuracy. However, the study relied on existing dietary data that was collected by different methods in different countries, which could introduce some variation in accuracy. The findings represent averages across large populations, so individual experiences may vary significantly.

What the Results Show

In 2018, women of childbearing age globally consumed an average of about 120 grams (roughly 4 ounces) of sugary beverages per day. Coffee consumption averaged about two-thirds of a cup daily, while tea consumption was slightly higher at about 0.85 cups per day. Milk consumption averaged about 82 grams (roughly 3 ounces) daily, and fruit juice consumption was about 17 grams per day. These averages hide significant differences between regions: women in wealthy countries consumed 3-4 servings of beverages daily, while women in South and Southeast Asia consumed only 1-2 servings daily. Over the 28-year period studied, most beverage consumption increased, suggesting that women are drinking more overall. The exception was fruit juice, which decreased by 13% globally, possibly because people are becoming more aware of the sugar content in juice.

The study found that milk consumption showed the strongest connection to a country’s wealth level—wealthier countries had much higher milk consumption. Sugary beverage consumption varied across different development levels, suggesting that economic factors influence these choices differently in different regions. Age-related patterns also differed by region, meaning that younger versus older women within the childbearing age range had different drinking habits depending on where they lived. These regional differences suggest that cultural factors, food availability, and marketing practices all play important roles in beverage choices.

This study provides the most comprehensive global picture of beverage consumption among women of childbearing age to date. Previous research has looked at specific beverages or specific regions, but this analysis brings together information from 185 countries over nearly three decades. The findings confirm what smaller studies have suggested: that sugary beverage consumption is a growing concern worldwide, and that economic development strongly influences what people drink. The decrease in fruit juice consumption is a newer finding that adds to our understanding of changing dietary patterns.

The study relied on dietary data collected by different countries using different methods, which could affect accuracy. Some countries may have better food and beverage tracking systems than others. The data represents averages for large populations, so it doesn’t tell us about individual women’s choices. Additionally, the study couldn’t determine cause and effect—it shows that wealthier countries drink more milk, but it doesn’t prove that wealth causes higher milk consumption (though that’s likely part of the explanation). The researchers couldn’t account for all factors that might influence beverage choices, such as personal preferences, health conditions, or specific cultural practices within countries.

The Bottom Line

If you’re a woman of childbearing age, consider reducing sugary beverage consumption, as high intake is linked to health problems like weight gain and diabetes. Increasing milk consumption may be beneficial for bone health, especially important during reproductive years. Tea and coffee can be part of a healthy diet in moderate amounts. These recommendations are supported by strong evidence, though individual needs vary based on personal health conditions. Consult with a healthcare provider about what’s best for your specific situation.

This research is most relevant to women aged 15-49, healthcare providers who work with this population, public health officials designing nutrition programs, and policymakers considering beverage-related regulations. Women planning pregnancy or currently pregnant should pay special attention to beverage choices. The findings also matter to food and beverage companies and retailers who influence what’s available and affordable in different regions. People in lower-income countries may find these findings particularly relevant as they consider how economic development affects food choices.

Changes in beverage consumption habits typically show health benefits within weeks to months. For example, reducing sugary drinks may lead to weight loss or improved energy levels within 2-4 weeks. Increasing milk consumption for bone health is a longer-term investment, with benefits accumulating over months and years. If you’re making changes to prepare for pregnancy, starting 3-6 months before conception gives your body time to adjust to healthier patterns.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Log your daily beverage intake by type (sugary drinks, coffee, tea, milk, juice) and amount in cups or grams. Track for one week to establish your baseline, then set a goal to reduce sugary beverages by 25% over the next month while increasing milk or water intake.
  • Replace one sugary drink per day with water, unsweetened tea, or milk. Use the app to set daily reminders for this swap and track your progress. If you drink 2-3 sugary beverages daily, this single change can significantly reduce your sugar intake.
  • Review your beverage consumption weekly through the app’s summary feature. Compare your intake to the global averages provided (120g sugary drinks, 0.68 cups coffee, 0.85 cups tea, 82g milk daily). Set personal targets based on your health goals and track whether you’re moving toward healthier patterns over 4-week periods.

This research describes global beverage consumption patterns and should not be interpreted as medical advice. Individual nutritional needs vary based on age, health status, pregnancy status, and medical conditions. Women of childbearing age, especially those planning pregnancy or currently pregnant, should consult with their healthcare provider or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to their beverage intake. This study shows associations between beverage consumption and economic development but does not prove that any specific beverage causes or prevents disease. Always discuss dietary changes with a qualified healthcare professional who understands your personal health situation.