Grant: Master's Award: Canada Graduate Scholarships

The NL Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Tax [SSBT] was implemented in September 2022 and is the first SSBT in Canada. The SSBT can reduce intake of Sugar-Sweetened Beverages [SSBs], obesity rates, and the risk of type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. There is potential for the SSBT to have a significant health impact depending on the visibility and implementation of the SSBT. This study aims to assess visibility of the NL SSBT and whether store implementation impacts beverage purchasing behaviours. A random sample of 80 food stores in NL, including convenience, dollar, drug, and grocery stores, were audited to record the posted prices of beverages on shelves. Preliminary analysis suggested that SSBT was not highly visible. Thus, using a subsample of 21 stores, we conducted a Purchasing Audit where beverages were bought to assess visibility of SSBT at the register. At the same time, consumers completed a Behaviour Frequency Questionnaire [BFQ]. Adults 19+ living in NL completed the online BFQ after the tax was implemented. The BFQ captures beverages consumed in last seven days, number of beverages consumed, beverage types (SSB and non SSB), and questions relating to respondent store of choice. The BFQ, together with tax visibility data, will allow us to connect between store SSBT implementation and beverage purchasing habits. Using findings on SSBT implementation, we identify opportunities to enhance policy design and increase its effect on diet and health. We aim to strengthen the policy's impact as an effective health promotion strategy to achieve the goal of being one of the healthiest provinces by 2031 through a reduction of sugar consumption.