The New Orleans Healthy Default Beverage Policy and Beverage Ordering Among Children
-
By
-
Melissa Fuster
-
Yin Wang
-
Charles Stoecker
-
María M. Muñoz
-
Donald Rose
-
Lisa P. Hofmann
-
Megan Knapp
-
June 10, 2026
-
Clinical Scorecard: The Impact of the Healthy Default Beverage Policy in New Orleans on Children's Beverage Choices
At a Glance
| Category | Detail |
|---|
| Condition | |
| Key Mechanisms | Implementation of a Healthy Default Beverage policy in restaurants. |
| Target Population | |
| Care Setting | Restaurants in New Orleans. |
Key Highlights
- Sugar-sweetened beverages are the highest source of added sugar in children's diets aged 2 to 12 years.
- Louisiana has a high childhood obesity rate at 22.2%.
- The Healthy Default Beverage policy requires healthier drink options as defaults with children's meals.
Guideline-Based Recommendations
Diagnosis
- Monitor prevalence of childhood obesity and sugar consumption.
Management
- Implement Healthy Default Beverage policies in restaurants.
Monitoring & Follow-up
- Conduct surveys to assess changes in beverage ordering behaviors.
Risks
- High consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages contributes to obesity.
Patient & Prescribing Data
Caregivers of children aged 2 to 12 years in New Orleans and Baton Rouge.
Focus on reducing sugar-sweetened beverage intake through policy changes in restaurant settings.
Clinical Best Practices
- Encourage restaurants to adopt Healthy Default Beverage policies.
Related Resources & Content
