Do you reach for a soft drink out of habit, for the flavour or because it is the easiest option nearby? Start there if you would like to change what you drink. A small, practical choice is easier to work with than a rule for every occasion.
What is in the bottle?
Sugar amounts and serving sizes differ between drinks. Check the nutrition information panel and ingredient list rather than assuming every can contains the same amount. The total-sugars figure includes both naturally occurring and added sugars. Healthdirect — Sugar.
Try comparing similar products by the amount per 100 mL, then check how much is in the container you usually drink. A large bottle may contain more than one labelled serving.
Frequent exposure to sugar can contribute to tooth decay. Reducing sugary drinks is one way to reduce added sugar intake. Healthdirect — Sugar.
What about diet drinks?
Diet or no-sugar drinks may use sweeteners such as aspartame. FSANZ has assessed aspartame for use as a food sweetener; the archive's description of it as a potent nerve toxin is not retained. Food Standards Australia New Zealand — Aspartame.
That does not make a sweetened drink necessary. Water is a useful everyday choice, and individual dietary needs still matter. Healthdirect — Drinking water and your health.
Make the change fit your day
You might keep a water bottle nearby, serve chilled water with meals or try plain sparkling water. Choose one situation to work on first rather than turning drinks into another source of guilt.
For children, offer water in place of sugary soft drinks, cordials and sports drinks. Healthdirect — Healthy eating for children.
Our school-week food ideas and sugar cravings article cover related everyday questions. If a food question concerns a child's eczema, start with the separate eczema guide.
The clinic lists dietary review within an initial naturopathy consultation. Melbourne Wellness — Services.
Discuss suitability at a consultation.
Sources
Read 15 October 2026. Clinical sources support the adjacent general information; clinic links verify the advertised appointment menu.
- Healthdirect — Sugar — Australian public-health guidance; accessed 2026-10-15.
- Food Standards Australia New Zealand — Aspartame — Australian and New Zealand food regulator guidance; accessed 2026-10-15.
- Healthdirect — Drinking water and your health — Australian public-health guidance; accessed 2026-10-15.
- Healthdirect — Healthy eating for children — Australian public-health guidance; accessed 2026-10-15.
- Melbourne Wellness — Services — current clinic facts; accessed 2026-10-15.
