Three Biggest Soda Makers Challenged To Reduce Calories

Three of the biggest soda makers face pressure over the role of sugary drinks in fueling obesity. Coke, Pepsi and Dr. Pepper said Tuesday at the Clinton Global Initiative that they'll work to reduce the calories Americans get from beverages by 20% over the next decade. Coca-Cola and Pepsi have been marketing smaller cans and bottles as a way to control portions and have rolled out flavored versions of Dasani and Aquafina due to the high demand for bottled water. John Sicher, publisher of the industry tracker Beverage Digest said, 'The commitment appears to be a response to the growth challenges the industry has been facing, in part as a result of health concerns. Between 2000 and 2013, the calories people got from drinks fell by about 12 percent, according to Beverage Digest.' The American Beverage Association has raised greater awareness about choices and the need to balance calorie intake with physical activity. Soon companies will provide calorie counts on places such as vending machines and independent evaluators will be hired to track its progress.