Water Deemed Top Beverage Among Adults

CHICAGOWater represents nearly half of all beverages consumed by adults, making it their top beverage pick. Kids, however, drink significantly less, replaced by milk, soft drinks and fruit beverages, according to new research from the NPD Group.

Many U.S. adult consumers begin their day with a cup of coffee but begin drinking water between breakfast and lunch; watertap/filtered and bottledrepresents 46% of beverage consumption. Tap/filtered or bottled water is the top beverage at lunch and dinner among adults, closely followed by soft drinks.

Children, on the other hand, are less likely to consume watertap/filtered waters share of beverage consumption is 26% at all meals, but only accounts for 21% of total beverage consumption among kids. Research shows kids are more likely to drink milk during meals compared to adults, which may be to blame for lower water consumption.

Teenagers in particular are opting for regular (non-diet) carbonated soft drinks in their mealssoft drink consumption is 14% during all teen meals compared to 8% for all individuals.

During the time between breakfast, lunch and dinner, kids are very likely to have fruit-type drinks, which often contains added sugar.