Consumption of sugar sweetened beverages (SSBs) in Indonesia continues to rise, potentially causing the public to exceed safe daily sugar intake limits. In fact, excess sugar from beverages can increase the risk of various noncommunicable diseases such as obesity and diabetes.

This issue was highlighted by Dr Zuraidah Nasution, a lecturer in the Department of Community Nutrition at the Faculty of Medicine and Nutrition (FKGiz) at IPB University, during the IPB Podcast on the IPB TV YouTube channel.

“The recommended daily sugar intake limit is approximately 10 percent of daily energy needs. If the average energy requirement is 2.000 kilocalories, that amounts to about 50 grams of sugar, or the equivalent of four tablespoons,” she said.

Continuing to rise

Dr Zuraidah explained that various studies show that SSB consumption in Indonesia has risen sharply over the past two decades. In fact, Indonesia was once recorded as one of the countries with the highest consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages in the Asian region.

Data from the Ministry of Health shows that the average sugar consumed from sugar sweetened beverages alone can reach about 50 percent of the recommended daily limit.

“Just imagine, 50 percent of that comes from beverages alone. That doesn’t even include food or other processed products that also contain added sugar,” she said.

This situation, she noted, is exacerbated by the easy access to sugary drinks, ranging from packaged beverages to ready to drink options like sweet tea, boba, or trendy coffee drinks, which often do not clearly list their sugar content.

Healthy from an early age

According to Dr Zuraidah, the habit of consuming sugary drinks often forms during childhood and can carry over into adulthood. Therefore, parents play a crucial role in fostering healthier consumption habits.

She advises parents not to keep sugary drinks at home and to encourage children to read the nutritional information labels on packaging.

“Simply put, we can reduce the likelihood of children becoming dependent on sugary drinks. For example, by not stocking sugary drinks at home or encouraging children to choose beverages with lower sugar content,” she explained.

However, she emphasized that people shouldn’t completely avoid sugary drinks, but should manage their sugar intake wisely.

“It doesn’t mean we can’t have them at all, but we need to be in control. Limit the amount, keep track of your total daily sugar intake, and balance it with a healthy lifestyle, such as eating fruits and vegetables, engaging in physical activity, and getting enough rest,” she concluded.

Source: IPB University

Once hailed as “better-for-you” alternatives, many popular energy drinks marketed as clean or wellness-focused are now under fire. Recent studies are calling attention to potential health risks linked to taurine and erythritol, common ingredients in beverages that carry a health halo.

This emerging data is sparking a broader industry reckoning around ingredient safety, transparency, and the truth behind functional claims.

New research, such as a 2025 study published in Nature, has ignited conversations about taurine, an amino acid prevalent in many mainstream energy formulations, with some findings indicating its role in promoting certain cancer cell growth pathways. Simultaneously, erythritol, a widely used zero-calorie sweetener in numerous “sugar-free” beverages, has been associated with higher cardiovascular risk, including heart attack and stroke, according to research led by Dr. Stanley Hazen at the Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute. These developments are forcing consumers and health professionals alike to re-evaluate the true health profile of their energy choices, pushing for a higher standard of integrity in the market.

“We’re seeing more evidence that ‘sugar-free’ and ‘natural energy’ aren’t always what they seem,” says CJ Rapp, CEO of Karma Water and 30-year beverage industry veteran. “The language may be clean, but the ingredient lists often aren’t—and consumers are starting to notice.”

The ingredients consumers aren’t questioning – but should be

Despite marketing claims that position these drinks as clean, keto-friendly, or plant-based, the presence of taurine, erythritol, synthetic caffeine, and undisclosed preservatives challenges their wellness positioning.

Industry insiders and health advocates are now urging energy drink makers to meet a higher bar, including:

• Evidence-based functional ingredients with real health benefits
• Transparent labeling that goes beyond buzzwords
• Natural stimulants that don’t carry potential long-term risks
• Smarter delivery systems that preserve potency and bioavailability

A quiet shift toward smarter energy

One example of this emerging category is Karma Energy Water, developed with transparency and formulation integrity at its core. Using natural green tea caffeine, B vitamins, and Cognizin® citicoline (a clinically studied nootropic), the line avoids problematic additives while supporting sustained energy and mental focus.

Karma’s patented push cap technology keeps active ingredients sealed and protected until the moment of consumption—preserving efficacy without relying on synthetic stabilisers or preservatives.

“Consumers deserve more than just an energy boost – they deserve products that genuinely support long-term well-being,” Rapp adds. “The future of functional beverages will be defined by trust, science, and clean delivery – not empty claims.”