Which beverage is often considered the largest source of added sugars in modern diets?

Soda is often considered the largest source of added sugars in modern diets due to its high sugar content and widespread consumption. Many sodas are artificially sweetened and can contain a significant number of calories without providing any essential nutrients. The sugar found in soda primarily comes from high-fructose corn syrup or sucrose, which are added during manufacturing to enhance flavor and increase palatability.

The prevalence of soda in the diet is a major factor contributing to the high consumption of added sugars across many populations. This can lead to various health issues, including obesity, dental problems, and an increased risk of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes. In contrast, options like water and green tea contain no added sugars, and while fruit juice does contain natural sugars, it typically has a lower total sugar content compared to sugary sodas. Thus, soda stands out as the leading source of added sugars in many people's diets.