The Council of Ministers has adopted a draft amendment to the Public Health Law and the Personal Income Tax Law, which calls for an increase in the so-called sugar fee. The purpose of the amendments is to reduce the consumption of sweetened and energy drinks, thereby reducing the risk of obesity and diabetes in the population.
Government raises sugar levy. More expensive sweetened beverages starting in 2026
Published Oct. 15, 2025 07:36
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The government has approved a bill to amend the Law on Public Health and the Law on Personal Income Tax, prepared by the Minister of Finance and Economy. One of the key elements of the bill is an increase in the rates of the so-called sugar fee, introduced in 2021 as a tool to combat excessive sugar consumption.
According to the justification, the existing rates have not been updated since the introduction of the fee, so that its impact on reducing consumption of sweetened beverages has significantly weakened. The changes are aimed at restoring the effectiveness of this fiscal and health instrument.
According to the draft, the fee rate is set to increase:
- from PLN 0.50 to PLN 0.70 per liter of beverage containing up to 5 grams of sugar per liter or sweetener,
- from PLN 0.10 to PLN 1.00 for the addition of caffeine or taurine.
In practice, this means that the average price of popular sodas and energy drinks will increase. For example, a 0.5-liter bottle of cola, which currently costs about 4.75 zlotys, may cost about 5.30 zlotys after the changes go into effect.
Higher prices are expected to act as a disincentive, especially among young consumers, who are most likely to reach for sugary drinks and energy drinks.
The new regulations are scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2026.
Source: KPRM
