Popkins et al proposed a classification for beverages and made recommendations for their daily intake. The authors are from the University of North Carolina, the University of Connecticut, Louisianna State University, Johns Hopkins University, Oregon State University and Harvard University.
Parameters:
(1) additives to water
(2) nutrient content
Additives to Water
Nutrient Content
Level
none
none
1
tea or coffee, unsweetened
none
2
low fat milk, skim milk, soy milk
high
3
noncalorically sweetened beverage
variable
4
calorically sweetened
some
5
calorically sweetened, high
none
6
where:
• Whole milk does not appear to be classified in the scheme although it might best be classified as Level 5.
• The extent of caloric sweetening in Level 5 can range from minimal to high, and the nutritional content may range from minimal to high.
• Beer and wine are considered Level 5.
• Tea or coffee with a noncaloric sweetener could be listed as Level 2 or 4.
Level
Recommended Intake
1
high
2
none to moderate (limited by caffeine intake)
3
none to limited
4
limited to moderate
5
limited
6
none to minimal
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