Requires 50% reduction in the amount of added sugars in all liquid beverages sold in Rhode Island on and after January 1, 2030.

## Summary of Rhode Island Bill: Sugar Reduction in Beverages

This bill would require that all liquid beverages sold in Rhode Island contain at least 50% less added sugar compared to their current formulations, starting on January 1, 2030. In practical terms, if a drink currently contains 40 grams of added sugar, the version sold in Rhode Island after that date would need to contain no more than 20 grams. The bill falls under Rhode Island's "Truth in Food Disclosure Law," which deals with health and safety standards for food products.

The bill would affect a wide range of people and businesses. Beverage manufacturers, distributors, and retailers — from large soda companies to local shops — would need to ensure that the drinks they sell in Rhode Island meet the new sugar limits. Consumers would see changes in the taste and formulation of many popular drinks, including sodas, sweetened teas, juices with added sugar, energy drinks, and other sweetened beverages. The five-year lead time before the requirement takes effect is designed to give the beverage industry time to reformulate their products.

The bill was introduced in the Rhode Island House of Representatives and referred to the House Corporations Committee. After a hearing in January 2026, the committee recommended that the bill be held for further study, meaning it has not advanced to a full vote and legislators want to examine the proposal more closely before deciding whether to move forward with it.