Beverages
Mexico’s per capita consumption of soft drinks is second only to that of the U.S. worldwide. Many Mexicans drink sodas, called “refrescos” or “chescos” with all three meals, and even breakfast for some poorer families can consist of a soda and a chocolate bar. Lower income school children, day laborers and market women rely on the quick energy lift of the soda’s high levels of sugar and caffeine. In some areas sodas are the only source of potable fluid, so cases are carried into remote sites by donkey. Mexico’s national soda pop “habit” is coming under scrutiny as nutritionists become more alert to the potential long term health problems posed by these products.
Mexican produced beer is extremely popular in Mexico as well as in the U.S. In recent years, Mexico has increased the quality of its wine production and liquors such as tequila and brandy are manufactured on a large scale.