Sweet tea, peach cobbler and soft drinks. No matter the product, many Southerners love sugar. We’re also often fat and unhealthy, reasons proponents like our lead columnist favor a tax on sodas and other sugary drinks. Today’s companion piece offers an opposing view that questions the efficacy of beverage taxes and suggests alternative measures to curbing obesity and disease.

About the Author

Keep Reading

(Illustration: Broly Su / AJC)

Credit: Broly Su / AJC

Featured

Julian Conley listens during opening statements in his trial at Fulton County Superior Court in Atlanta on Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025. The 25-year-old is accused of fatally shooting 8-year-old Secoriea Turner in July 2020. (Abbey Cutrer/AJC)

Credit: abbey.cutrer@ajc.com