New Law Will Give Californians Clearer Information on Restaurant Menus About Beverages High in Added Sugar

SACRAMENTO, CA — Governor Gavin Newsom has signed Senate Bill 869, authored by Senator Akilah Weber Pierson, M.D. (D-San Diego). The new law is designed to help Californians better understand how much added sugar is in the beverages they purchase.

SB 869 will require large chain restaurants to provide a clear warning for certain beverages that contain a full day’s recommended amount of added sugar or more. By making that information easier to see on menus, including drive-through menus, the law will help consumers make more informed choices for themselves and their families.

“Californians should not have to guess how much added sugar is in the beverages they order,” said Senator Weber Pierson. “As a physician, I know the serious health consequences that can come from consuming too much added sugar over time. SB 869 gives people clear, easy-to-understand information at the moment they are making a choice. This law is not about telling people what they can or cannot drink; it is about transparency, empowering families to make informed decisions and helping Californians take greater control of their health.”

Sugary beverages are one of the leading sources of added sugar in the American diet, and regularly consuming too much added sugar can contribute to serious health conditions, including Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, obesity and other chronic illnesses. Providing clear information at the point of purchase can help families better understand what they are consuming and make choices that support their long-term health.

For parents, that information can be especially important. Children are often exposed to high-sugar beverages from an early age, and helping families recognize how much added sugar is in a single drink can encourage healthier habits and greater awareness of the impact those choices can have over time.

With the Governor’s signature, SB 869 represents another step toward making health information more accessible and giving Californians the tools they need to make informed choices about what they consume.

For more information about SB 869 or to request an interview, please contact Albert Parnell at Albert.Parnell@sen.ca.gov or 916-651-4039.

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Senator Akilah Weber Pierson, M.D. represents California's 39th Senate District, which includes portions of San Diego County, the cities of Coronado, El Cajon, La Mesa, and Lemon Grove, as well as portions of the City of San Diego. Senator Weber Pierson is a board-certified OB/GYN and serves as the chair of the Senate Health Committee.