Soft Drink Calorie Intake Drops in Schools

Beverage companies have reduced shipments of full-calorie soft drinks to schools by 65 percent, the American Beverage Association says.

The reduction has resulted from guidelines created in 2006 through collaboration with the Alliance for a Healthier Generation — a joint initiative of the William J. Clinton Foundation and the American Heart Association — and U.S. beverage companies. The guidelines call on schools to provide lower-calorie, smaller-portion options in schools, including the removal of full-calorie soft drinks.

Overall, the association reports a 58 percent decrease in total beverage calories shipped to schools between 2004 and the 2007-08 school year.

"There has been a shift in schools toward lower-calorie and higher nutrient beverages, including waters, 100 percent juices, and portion-controlled sports drinks," the association says in a progress report from September 2008.