The effect of the Israeli sugar sweetened beverage tax implementation and repeal on beverage price and purchases

The Israeli SSB tax implementation and repeal, provides critical insights regarding the significant effectiveness of this public health policy. The tax led to a significant increase in the price of all beverage categories, and reduced sales of large-taxed beverages, which contribute the vast majority of national beverage sales. Tax repeal was followed by a gradual rise in sales of taxed beverages, having a potentially negative effect on public health. An effective policy should consider higher tax rates for smaller packaged beverages. Future studies should address longer follow-up and assessment of individual purchase and consumption practices.