New Survey Reveals That 87% Of Americans Would Rather Eat Their Calories Than Drink Them

In today's increasingly health-conscious society, Americans are inundated with ways to improve their well-being yet many still seek opportunities to indulge a little. In fact, according to a new survey commissioned by Southern Breeze Sweet Tea and conducted online by Harris Poll, 86% of U.S. adults say they like to balance healthy eating with indulging every once in a while. And when it comes to choosing between foods or beverages, there's no question: 87% of Americans would rather eat their calories than drink them.

This sentiment is consistent among Southerners (87%), a culture known for its rich foods like mac and cheese and high calorie beverages like traditional sweet tea. The survey found, however, that over seven in ten adults (72%) look for ways to reduce their sugar intake. And despite a tendency to gravitate toward food splurges, the survey revealed that finding good-tasting healthy swaps for favorite foods and beverages is important to over three quarters (76%) of Americans.


"It's actually a healthy habit to indulge a little every once in a while," said Carolyn O'Neil, M.S., R.D. and author of The Slim Down South Cookbook: Eating Well and Living Healthy in the Land of Biscuits and Bacon. "But to maintain a healthy weight and best overall health for a lifetime, it's important to make smart swaps that help control calorie intake. That's why a delicious zero-calorie beverage like Southern Breeze Sweet Tea is a win-win for taste and health."

Even sweet tea drinkers agree that a healthier option for their favorite drink would be ideal: 62% would be willing to substitute a no-calorie sweet tea beverage for regular sweet tea in order to indulge in other foods/beverages.

Other insights revealed by the survey include:
Adults aged 35+ are more likely to prefer to eat their calories than drink them than Millennials (89% vs 81%, respectively).
Women appear to be more conscious about finding healthy swaps for their favorite foods and beverages, as nearly four in five (79%) say it is important to them, compared to 72% of men.
Adults aged 55+ are more likely to look for ways to reduce their sugar intake than those aged 18-54 (80% vs. 67%).

"Life is all about balance, and choosing healthier beverage options like Southern Breeze Sweet Tea is a great way to ensure you can enjoy eating your calories instead of drinking them," O'Neil noted.