Big Soda, the conglomerate of soft drink companies, has recently expanded its product line to include alcoholic drinks. However, this move has been met with concern from health experts who worry about the potential health risks associated with mixing alcohol and sugary drinks.
The new alcoholic beverages being produced by Big Soda companies, such as Coca-Cola’s Lemon-Do and PepsiCo’s Hard Mountain Dew, are flavored malt beverages that contain up to 8% alcohol. These drinks are marketed towards young adults, with colorful packaging and bold marketing strategies that appeal to their target demographic.
Health experts have long been warning about the dangers of consuming sugary drinks, which have been linked to a variety of health issues such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Adding alcohol to the mix only compounds these risks, as excessive alcohol consumption has also been linked to a range of health problems, including liver disease, cancer, and mental health issues.
One of the main concerns is that these new alcoholic beverages will appeal to young adults who are already at risk of overconsumption due to their lack of experience with alcohol and their tendency to engage in binge drinking. When mixed with sugary drinks, alcohol can be consumed more quickly and more easily, which can lead to dangerous levels of intoxication.
Additionally, the high sugar content in these drinks can mask the effects of alcohol, making it difficult for drinkers to recognize when they’ve had too much. This can lead to a false sense of security and encourage people to drink more than they normally would.
Health experts are also concerned about the long-term impact of these new alcoholic drinks on public health. While the companies that produce them claim to be targeting the “moderate” drinking market, there is a risk that these drinks will become a staple of the drinking culture, leading to an increase in alcohol-related health problems.
In response to these concerns, health experts are calling for increased regulation of these new alcoholic beverages. They are urging lawmakers to consider placing restrictions on the marketing and advertising of these drinks, as well as limiting their availability in certain settings, such as college campuses and sports events.
Ultimately, it’s up to individuals to make responsible choices when it comes to their alcohol consumption. While these new alcoholic beverages may be tempting, it’s important to remember the potential health risks associated with mixing alcohol and sugary drinks. By being mindful of our choices, we can help to reduce the impact of these new products on public health.