Determinants of Beverage Consumption in Young Adults: A Multicenter Cross-Sectional Study Across Seven Major Geographic Regions of China

Early adulthood is a critical period for non-communicable disease (NCD) prevention, with beverage consumption being a modifiable risk factor. Evidence in young Chinese adults remains limited. We conducted a multicenter cross-sectional study (May-June 2023) of 3198 university students aged 18-25 years from seven regions of China. Beverage intake was recorded for seven days using the validated Liq.In7 diary with calibrated cups, and multivariable linear regression, including sex- and age-stratified models and interaction analyses, identified determinants. Sex, age, and sleep quality were the strongest predictors: females consumed less plain water (β = -112.75; 95% CI: -147.98 to -77.53; <i>p</i> < 0.001) and SSBs (β = -23.59; 95% CI: -34.60 to -12.57; <i>p</i> < 0.001), while plain water intake increased with age (β = 33.42; 95% CI: 19.92-46.91; <i>p</i> < 0.001). Poorer sleep quality (higher PSQI) was associated with higher SSBs consumption. SSBs intake among adults aged 22-25 years increased with higher temperature and socioeconomic tier. Interaction models confirmed that plain water intake increased with age in both sexes but remained lower in females. These findings support integrated interventions, including SSBs taxation and nutrition education, aligned with Healthy China 2030 and WHO sugar-reduction targets.