"Long since offered": Günther wants nationwide sugar tax - "Long since offered": Günther wants nationwide sugar tax
Calls for a federal sugar tax in Germany are growing louder. Schleswig-Holstein’s Minister-President Daniel Günther has become the latest high-profile advocate, pushing for stricter measures to cut sugar consumption. Health experts and consumer groups have long warned about the risks of excessive sugar in drinks, pointing to successful policies in other countries.
The debate over a sugar tax has gained momentum in recent months. In late 2025, no federal levy exists, despite repeated demands from medical associations, NGOs, and politicians—particularly from the Greens and SPD. Instead, the government has relied on voluntary agreements with food manufacturers to reduce sugar levels.
A 2024 study by consumer watchdog Foodwatch revealed that many German drinks contain sugar levels high enough to trigger Britain’s soft drink tax. The World Health Organization advises healthy adults to limit free sugars to 50 grams daily, ideally under 25 grams. Doctors link excessive sugar intake to obesity, type 2 diabetes, tooth decay, and fatty liver disease. Schleswig-Holstein’s state parliament has already backed a levy on sugary drinks, urging the state government to push for federal action. Günther plans to raise the issue at the CDU’s federal party conference in February. He also intends to launch a Bundesrat initiative in early 2026 to introduce a nationwide tax. Lower Saxony’s Health Minister Andreas Philippi has added his voice, calling on the federal government to act. Supporters point to countries like Britain and Mexico, where sugar taxes and advertising bans have proven effective in cutting consumption.
The push for a sugar tax now involves state governments, health ministers, and consumer advocates. If Günther’s Bundesrat initiative succeeds, Germany could follow international examples in tackling high sugar intake. For now, the federal government continues to favour industry cooperation over mandatory measures.
