: Social and environmental cues, intrinsic qualities of beverages and personal
health beliefs were identified as important influences on consumption. Social cues
included settings in which alcohol is usually consumed, socialising with friends, and
family influences. Environmental cues included purchasing of fast foods, and ready
availability, preferential pricing and promotion of caloric beverages. Reinforcing
intrinsic qualities of caloric soft drinks included taste, sugar and caffeine content,
and their association with treats and rewards. Major gender differences as well as
variations in individual readiness for behaviour change were observed. Raising
awareness of the sugar content of various beverages and the potential health
impacts associated with their consumption was considered important.