Overview
- Deputies approved the IEPS overhaul 351–129 to raise the tax on sugary beverages to 3.0818 pesos per liter from 1.6451 and to add a new charge on sweetener-based drinks; the broader package also increases levies on items such as tobacco, certain video games and museum admissions.
- The 1.50‑peso‑per‑liter rate for light and zero drinks reflects negotiations that replaced an initial plan to tax them at the same 3.0818‑peso rate as sugar‑sweetened products.
- Coca‑Cola pledged a 30% calorie reduction across its Mexican beverages with a goal of covering about 70% of its portfolio within a year, to price zero‑sugar options below regular ones, to exclude minors from ads and to stop promoting its 3‑liter presentation.
- Pepsi’s bottler GEPP said it is working to surpass a 75% portfolio share in reduced‑ or zero‑calorie products in 2026, highlighting prior recipe changes and plans to push pricing, packaging and distribution that favor low‑ and no‑sugar drinks.
- Public‑health groups argue the approved rates fall well short of World Health Organization guidance, warn the increases may not significantly curb consumption, and caution that shifting to non‑caloric sweeteners has not shown clear benefits for obesity and diabetes.