Introduction: The intake of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) varies according to the characteristics of the population. Objective: To investigate the SSB intake and demographic, socioeconomic and lifestyle factors associated with its consumption in adolescents, adults, and older adults in São Paulo. Methods: Data were drawn from the Health Survey of São Paulo, a cross-sectional population-based study including 1,662 individuals aged 12 years or more. SSB were classified into six groups: sugar-sweetened sodas, sweetened coffee and tea, sweetened milk and dairy products, sweetened fruit juice, sweetened fruit drink, and total SSB. The association of each group with demographic, socioeconomic and lifestyle variables was assessed using linear regression models. Results: The mean SSB intake was 668.4 mL in adolescents, 502.6 mL in adults, and 358.2 mL in elderly adults. Sodas and sweetened coffee and tea represented had the greatest contribution to energy intake. SSB consumption was lower among female sex and higher among overweight adolescents, among sufficiently active adults, and among lower household per capita income older adults. Consumption of SSB was high, particularly among adolescents. Public policies are required in order to decrease the consumption of these beverages. Conclusion: Age group, sex, household per capita income, and body mass index status were associated with SSB intake.

Objective To evaluate the association between sugar-sweetened beverages consumption and dietary quality in adolescents, adults, and older adults living in São Paulo, Brazil. Methods Data were drawn from a cross-sectional population-based study conducted in 2008 in a representative urban city sample involving 1494 consumers of sugar-sweetened beverages. Dietary intake was evaluated through two 24-Hour Dietary Recalls, and the usual sugar-sweetened beverages consumption was estimated using the Multiple Source Method. Dietary quality was evaluated using the Brazilian Healthy Eating Index – Revised. The association between total score of the revised index and components with sugar-sweetened beverages consumption tertiles was assessed using multiple linear regression models for each age group, considering the sample design. Results Regardless of age group, the increase of sugar-sweetened beverages consumption was associated with a decrease in the total Healthy Eating Index – Revised score and in the components “total fruit”; “whole fruit”; “meat, eggs and legumes”, and the “solid fat, alcohol and added sugar”. Conclusion The results of our study suggest that higher sugar-sweetened beverages consumption was associated with poorer dietary quality. Planning public health policies aimed at decreasing sugar-sweetened beverages consumption is essential to increase dietary quality and reduce the incidence of noncommunicable diseases.