Bangkok: The day Thailand lowers its normal sugar content standard to 50%. Here are 5 reasons why Thais should choose 50% sweetened drinks for better long-term health.

February 11, 2026, marked the first day Thailand adjusted its standard for normal sweetness levels, shifting from "100% sweetness (normal sweetness)" to "normal sweetness = 50% sweetness." This marks a new beginning for healthier drinking habits. The Department of Health stated that "normal sweetness = 50% sweetness" reduces the sweetness level from 100% to 50%, aiming to mitigate the risk of overweight and non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Nine major beverage brands, including Caf© Amazon, Inthanin, All Caf©, Black Canyon, Phanthai, and Chaodoi, have adopted this new standard, implementing it from today onwards. This initiative aims to reduce excessive daily sugar intake for Thais, who the WHO recommends consuming no more than six teaspoons of sugar per day.

According to Thai News Agency, reducing sweetness significantly lowers the risk of overweight and NCDs.

Here are 5 health benefits of reducing the sweetness in each drink:

1. Avoid "premature aging" because sugar contributes to damaging the skin's structure.

2. The "boost and then subside" effect: Lower blood sugar levels lead to improved concentration, reduced irritability, and less afternoon fatigue.

3. Reduce belly fat: Half the sugar in every glass helps flatten your stomach, reduce water retention, and tighten your figure.

4. Recover your taste buds. 50% sweetness is the midpoint in training your taste buds to reduce their accustomed level, making clean eating or foods with less than 50% sweetness taste better. It's estimated that it takes 14 days for your taste buds to get used to less sweetness.

5. The liver and pancreas get a break, reducing the risk of fatty liver disease and diabetes in the future. "The metabolism returns to its full efficiency."