Seattle soda tax brings higher prices all around

1-9-2019

SEATTLE, Wash. — A new report estimates that nearly 100% of Seattle’s new tax on the distribution of sweetened beverages is passed on to consumers through higher in-store prices.

The Seattle Times reports soda prices increased more than sugar-sweetened juices and bottled coffee drinks, and smaller stores have increased their prices more than supermarkets.

The report by University of Washington researchers also found some smaller stores have increased their prices even for beverages not subject to the tax, such as diet sodas.