Berkeley healthy checkout rule linked to lower soda sales

A study published in The Lancet Public Health indicates that Berkeley, California’s healthy checkout ordinance has led to a significant decrease in soda sales. The policy, which became enforceable in 2022, restricts the display of sugary beverages and snacks in checkout lanes to reduce impulse purchases.

Researchers from Boston University and UC Davis analyzed sales data from 71 chain stores across Berkeley and three comparison cities between 2019 and 2023. The findings show that soda sales were approximately 39.5% lower in Berkeley relative to comparison cities following enforcement. Additionally, sales of small-packaged candy in supermarkets saw a significant decline.

However, the impact varied by retailer and product type. While supermarkets showed the greatest compliance and decline in sugary items, drug stores showed less compliance and no significant reduction in candy or soda sales. Overall candy sales did not show a comparable decline, and in some instances, sales of healthy, lower-sugar items like nuts and seeds increased.