Saudi Arabia Officially Imposes New Sugar Tax On Sweetened Drinks

Get ready, Saudi Arabia is shaking up your drink game!

Starting January 1, 2026, a brand new sugar tax is landing on all sweetened drinks. That’s right, your favorite sodas and juices are about to get a little less sweet on your wallet, and maybe a bit healthier for you too.

via GIPHY

Ministries agreed and industry listened

After months of back-and-forth between ministries, industry experts, and the GCC, the decision is official. The Kingdom is rolling out this tax as part of its push for healthier lifestyles. It’s not just about cutting sugar; it’s about encouraging everyone to make smarter choices and giving the drinks industry a nudge to get creative with their recipes.

 

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Sodas companies are being told to tone it down

Think of this as Saudi Arabia’s way of telling sodas and sweet drinks to take it easy on the sugar. The new tax means you might see more low-sugar and sugar-free options popping up on shelves. It’s a win for health goals and a challenge for brands to innovate. Will your go-to drink get a makeover? Only time will tell!

Will you switch to low-sugar drinks or pay a little extra for your sugar fix? Either way, 2026 is shaping up to be a little less sweet, but a lot more interesting for your taste buds!

Read next: Riyadh Metro Turns One: The Riyadh Metro Has Shifted How The City Moves

 

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