Making Sugary Food and Drink Products More Expensive
Many manufactured food and drink products contain high levels of sugar, which causes many health problems. Sugary products should be made more expensive to encourage people to consume less sugar.
Do you agree or disagree?
Read the original writing alongside its overall assessment. Open a full review for criterion explanations and sentence-level feedback.
Estimated band6.0
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Response 01
331 words
Sugary foods and drinks are detrimental to health, so many suggest increasing their price to dissuade many people from purchasing and intaking them. But, I will have to disagree with this opinion. This essay explains the reasons behind my opinion.
To begin with, even if the authority suddenly increases the prices of all sugary products, we will still notice that many people are still buying those products as usual. They will be buying them either because they are just too much “addicted” to those sugary products, or a high price does not really curtail their abilities to buy such expensive products. It will, however, negatively affect the prices of the necessary food items, and poor people will suffer to a great extent because it is not only “sugar” that is needed to make sugary products, but rather several other raw materials, such as flour, milk, egg, oil and etc. And that means that if the governments want to increase the price of sugary products, they will not only have to impose a higher tax exclusively on sugar but also on other raw materials.
Another problem with taking such a decision is that some manufacturers of these sugary products would still try to sell them illegally to their existing customers at a lower price, through some “back channels” or secretly, in order to keep their businesses, because a higher price of their products would almost inevitably push many of their regular customers away from buying their products.
A far better solution to this problem would be to make people aware of the consequences of eating and drinking sugary items. When mass people are aware of the issues, they will spontaneously reject sugary items without creating any pressure on the market.
In conclusion, we need to run awareness campaigns to inform people about the negative aspects of eating and drinking sugary items. When they are made aware, it will bring positive results while price hikes on sugary items would make things only worse.
Estimated band7.0
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Response 02
286 words
It is no secret that most processed foods and drinks contain excessive amounts of sugar, and this causes several health problems while also contributing to the growing obesity epidemic in many countries. In light of this, many argue that sugary products should be made more expensive in order to discourage consumption and encourage healthier alternatives. I completely agree with this viewpoint.
One of the main reasons for the excessive consumption of sugary products and drinks is their low cost. Therefore, increasing the price of sugary products would be a proven method of reducing their overall consumption. A recent study conducted by the World Health Organization reveals that a 20% price increase in sugary drinks resulted in as much as a 15% decrease in their consumption in just six months. It is very logical that, when sugary products are expensive, many people will be less likely to indulge in them as frequently, and will instead opt for healthier alternatives. This will be particularly beneficial for low-income individuals, who are disproportionately affected by obesity and related health problems due to their reliance on cheap, unhealthy food.
In addition, increasing the price of sugary products and imposing higher taxes on manufacturers of such products, can also serve as a deterrent for them to include excessive amounts of sugar in their products. This way, sellers will be incentivized to reduce the amount of sugar in their products in order to remain competitive in the market and make a profit.
In conclusion, increasing the cost of sugary products is an effective method of reducing sugar consumption and promoting healthier eating habits. It would not only discourage the excessive consumption of these products but also make healthier options more accessible and affordable for all.
Estimated band7.0
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6.5
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Response 03
325 words
Sugar is undoubtedly one of the most harmful food ingredients when consumed more than the recommended potion - which is often the case in our daily diet. To reduce the sugar-rich food and drink intake, many recommend making them more expensive, and I believe that such sugar-packed products should be expensive to promote public health.
Despite the common myth of the health benefits of sugar, scientists and nutritionists suggest that they are addictive, and are slow poison. Fast foods and sugary foods and drinks like soft drinks, desserts, ice-creams, and sodas come cheap and are ready to be consumed without any effort. This is why they have become so popular, and from children to the elderly, everyone loves those sugary foods and drinks. However, these are known to cause serious diseases like diabetes and heart disease and are connected to obesity. Since they are linked to so many unexpected health diseases and deaths, the authority should impose taxes, directly and indirectly, on those sugary items to make them unaffordable by mass people and in the process improve public health.
Moreover, people often opt for food and drinks that are cheap and easily available. And if we only look at the departmental stores around us, we can notice that we have sugary items all around us, and they are affordable. So to restrict sugar intake, their prices should be increased via direct and indirect taxes. If they are made more expensive, people will reduce their consumption and go for more healthy alternatives. For instance, if a healthy meal costs $5 while a sugary junk meal $10, most people will go for the cheaper and better option. It will gradually but surely improve public health and reduce medical care expenses both for the government and ordinary citizens.
To conclude, imposing higher taxes on sugary items will bring about many benefits and reduce the cost of healthcare. It is therefore expected that authorities will take steps to make sugar-packed items expensive.
Estimated band7.0
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Response 04
340 words
Our dietary choices influence our overall well-being. As a result, some believe that people have become increasingly reliant on processed meals and that there is too much sugar in the food and beverage goods available on the market. Therefore, the government should levy a surcharge on items with high sugar content. I agree with this approach, and in the following paragraphs, I shall elaborate on my viewpoint.
To begin with, manufacturers nowadays prefer to find methods to describe their products as healthy even if they are not. Thus the public is sometimes unaware of the number of carbs included in the drink they purchase. So, raising costs will certainly limit people’s use of sugary foods. Because sugary foods are inexpensive, many individuals consume far too much of them. For example, in the United States, many fast-food establishments provide free drink refills. Hence, people frequently order two or three drinks with their meals. If these eateries were obliged to impose a 20% tax on these beverages and stop providing free refills, many customers probably wouldn’t order more than one.
Moreover, sugary foods are highly perilous since they lead to obesity and diabetes. Therefore, increasing the price of these harmful drinks and making people aware of the health hazards would encourage customers to make better purchase decisions. In addition, with more and more people switching to healthier diets, the nation will benefit from savings on healthcare in the long run. Thus, superior solutions involve more holistic government intervention.
Some argue that customers should be allowed to make their own decisions and should not be penalized for picking sugary foods that are often more delicious than others. Leading manufacturers can make a significant contribution to assisting customers by developing healthier foods that contain less sugar but nevertheless taste like the originals. For example, coca-cola has introduced several different coke flavors, including coke zero.
To recapitulate, sugary foods and beverages are harmful to people’s health. A higher price should be imposed to encourage people to limit their carbohydrate intake and eventually improve the population’s health.
Estimated band7.0
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Response 05
279 words
Many people believe that food and beverages that are high in sugar should be sold at high prices to discourage people from consuming these unhealthy products. I totally disagree because I think that it is unfair to consumers charge more for these products and also because there are other more effective ways to discourage consumption of these types of goods.
The main reason why I believe these products should not be made more expensive is that it is unfair to shoppers. These types of goods, when consumed in moderation, are not a health risk and therefore it does not seem reasonable that everybody who consumes these goods should have to pay more. Furthermore, for people on a tight budget, a sweet snack is an affordable luxury. However, if prices are hiked this might put people’s favourite snack out of reach.
In addition, there are more effective ways to decrease the consumption of sugary goods. The best way is for the government to engage in public service advertising to educate the public about the need to eat these types of products in moderation. This type of approach has been useful with other vices such as alcohol and cigarettes and so it seems reasonable that it will also work for sugary products. Another effective way to decrease the consumption is to ban advertising of these types of products. I feel this will be effective because it will create less of a psychological desire to consume these types of goods.
In conclusion, I am totally against increasing the price of confectionery. This is because it is not fair to consumers and there are better ways to reduce consumption of these sugary goods.
Estimated band7.0
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Response 06
332 words
Processed food and most bottled drinks are packed with an excessive amount of sugar. Over-consumption of sugar is related to many deadly diseases and obesity, and this is why, many suggest that if those sugary products are made expensive, people, especially those with limited purchasing capacity, would consume less sugar and opt for healthy alternatives. I wholeheartedly disagree with this idea as I believe that this approach is not effective in curbing sugar intake.
To begin with, people do not consume sugary products only because they are cheap. Rather, they love those sugary foods and drinks because they find them tasty, satisfying and addictive. This is perhaps the reason many people in my country enjoy a bottle of soda more than they would enjoy a glass of fresh juice without any sugar in it. Furthermore, increasing the price of sugary items may lead to a situation where low-income people would opt for even lower-quality options. I believe that raising the price of sweet items in the market does not address the root cause of the issue because for many individuals sweet products are integrated with their eating habits. Some eat them as rewards, others as a coping mechanism for stress and depression.
I believe that instead of raising the price of sugary products and imposing a heavy tax on the manufacturers, a more effective approach would be to educate people about the harm of excessive intake of sugar and sugary items. The school curriculum and social campaigns should emphasize how eating healthy can make our life positive in many perspectives. Promoting healthier food options in schools, office canteens and public places, for example, could be a far better approach.
In conclusion, increasing the price of sugary food for the betterment of public health may seem like a great option on the surface, but it is not impactful. A more effective way would be to educate people and promote healthier food to combat the negative trends of consuming excessive sugary foods and drinks.
Estimated band7.5
7.5
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7.5
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Response 07
262 words
Many processed foods and drinks are packed with sugar and this leads to many health issues. I agree that, to reduce sugar consumption, sugar-packed products should be sold at a higher price.
Many people over-consume sugary products because they are cheap. For example, in the United States, many fast-food restaurants offer free refills on sodas. As a result, customers tend to have two or even three sodas at a meal. If these restaurants are required to implement a 20% tax on these drinks and stop supplying free refills, many customers probably wouldn’t order one at all, let alone have a second one. A regulation like this could be extremely effective in terms of preventing obesity among low-income people since many of them are high consumers of cheap sugar-sweetened foods and beverages.
In addition, making high-sugar products more expensive can promote healthier eating choices. This is because if the prices of these products increase to a point at which people are unable to afford them regularly, they may turn to foods that are healthier and more affordable. For instance, if a can of strawberry-flavored beverage costs 3 times the price of a box of fresh strawberries, why not choose the cheaper fresh fruits which can also satisfy a craving for sugar. Although fresh fruits also contain sugars, natural sugars are much healthier than added ones.
In conclusion, sugar-sweetened products should be made more costly to reduce sugar intake. For one thing, the over-consumption of these products is partly because of their low cost. For another, increasing their price could encourage people to choose healthier food.
Estimated band7.5
7.5
7.5
7.5
7.5
Response 08
291 words
The excessive consumption of sugar-laden food and beverages has led to a rise in health problems such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. To solve this issue, some believe that making sugary products more expensive will discourage consumption. However, I disagree with this approach, as it is neither fair nor effective in addressing the root causes of unhealthy eating habits.
Firstly, increasing the price of sugary products affects low-income consumers without necessarily changing their habits. Many people, especially those from meager backgrounds, rely on affordable processed foods due to their low cost and easy availability. Raising prices might financially burden these individuals rather than encourage healthier choices. So, instead of taxation, governments should focus on making nutritious foods more accessible by subsidizing fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Secondly, taxation alone does not guarantee a significant reduction in sugar consumption. People who are accustomed to high-sugar diets may continue to purchase these products despite higher costs. A more effective solution would be educational campaigns that teach consumers about healthy eating habits and the long-term effects of excessive sugar intake. Countries like Japan, for instance, have successfully implemented nutritional education programs in schools, leading to better food choices among the younger generation.
Moreover, manufacturers can reformulate their products to contain less sugar without compromising taste. Some companies have already started reducing sugar levels in their products voluntarily, proving that innovation is a better solution than taxation. Therefore, governments should encourage such initiatives instead of implementing punitive financial measures.
In conclusion, while excessive sugar consumption is a serious issue, increasing the price of sugary products is not the best solution. Instead, promoting education, affordability of healthy foods, and product reformulation would be more effective and equitable in encouraging people to reduce their sugar intake.
Estimated band7.5
7.5
7.5
7.5
7.5
Response 09
243 words
Many processed food and drink items contain excessive amounts of sugar, contributing to various health issues, such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Some argue that increasing the price of sugary products would encourage people to consume less, ultimately leading to a healthier society. I strongly agree with this view, as it could influence consumer behavior and reduce the burden on healthcare systems.
Firstly, making sugary products more expensive would discourage people from purchasing them frequently. When prices rise, consumers, especially those on tight budgets, are likely to reconsider their choices and opt for healthier alternatives. For example, in countries where sugar taxes have been implemented, such as Mexico and the United Kingdom, there has been a noticeable decline in soft drink consumption. This suggests that pricing strategies can be effective in shaping healthier eating habits.
Secondly, taxing sugary products would generate government revenue, which could be used to fund public health initiatives. This money could support awareness campaigns about the risks of excessive sugar intake and promote healthier dietary habits. In addition, these funds could be allocated to improve healthcare facilities and treatment options for those already suffering from sugar-related diseases.
In conclusion, increasing the cost of sugary products is an effective strategy to reduce excessive consumption and improve public health. Higher prices can encourage healthier choices while also providing additional resources for healthcare and education. Therefore, governments should consider implementing sugar taxes as part of their strategy to combat diet-related diseases.
Estimated band8.0
8.0
7.5
8.0
8.0
Response 10
302 words
Certain concerned citizens believe that prices should be raised to counter the high sugar content in various food and drink products. In my opinion, this solution may have a marginal impact but other reforms would engender greater progress.
Supporters of this policy argue that it has been effective in the past. The best known corollary would be the high price of tobacco products in many nations. Countries where prices are low, such as Indonesia, Vietnam, and India, have considerably higher rates of smokers compared to nations that have instituted heavy taxes. Similarly, taxation has had limited effectiveness concerning food products in European nations where sugary and fatty foods are more expensive and there has been a concomitant marginal decline in consumption. However, the more striking realization from attempts to tax luxuries is that individuals are often willing to pay to satisfy their addictions and would rather sacrifice in other areas.
Therefore, superior solutions involve more holistic government action. This can be illustrated through policies in Japan. From a young age, children are fed healthy meals at school as well as at home, and the government has encouraged health awareness through a variety of programs and initiatives aimed at various demographics. The result is that sugary drinks and products have a place in society that is less prominent than in nations such as the United States where the culture centers on fast food, soda, and packaged meals. A more thoughtful approach should not be discounted simply because of the challenges posed by enacting and evaluating small steps that are aligned and enforced consistently over a period of years.
In conclusion, the immediate and largely ineffective fix offered by raising prices is not advisable compared with more long-term measures. Governments must therefore take a long view and communicate this clearly to the general citizenry.
