Objective:

To analyze socio-demographic patterns of consumption of artificial drinks sweetened with sugar (BAA, in Spanish) and with low or non-caloric sweeteners (BASA, in Spanish) in the Argentinean adult population.

Methodology:

Cross-sectional, descriptive and correlational study based on the Nutrition and Health National Survey conducted in 2018 and 2019 in urban areas. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were conducted with logistic regressions.

Results:

BAA consumption is higher among the population with lower levels of education and income, those who live in a house without a water pipe, among men, younger groups, those who live in a home with children, and among those with a diagnosis of diabetes or high cholesterol. The effect of gender decreases among the oldest group and the age effect is lower among women. A reverse pattern of consumption of BASA is observed for several variables: It is higher among people with higher levels of income and education, those who have access to a house with water pipe, among women and those with a diagnosis of diabetes or high cholesterol.

Limitations:

The quantitative source used is previous to the mandatory incorporation of critical nutrients labels in drinks packages.

Conclusions:

The consumption of BAA is very high in Argentina; similar to patterns observed in other countries is socially stratified and shaped by gender and age. Public policies are needed to reduce it consumptions due to its negative effects for health.

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