Thailand’s New “Normal Sweetness” Rule for Drinks: the 50% sweetness rule

If you’re a fan of milk tea, iced coffee, or any of Thailand’s beloved made-to-order drinks, you’ll want to know about a big change that’s about to sweep cafes and street stalls nationwide. The Department of Health (DoH) is introducing a new “Normal Sweetness = 50% Sweetness” guideline as part of ongoing efforts to lower Thailand’s sugar intake, tackling the long-term health risks associated with sugary beverages. For travelers, expats, digital nomads, and locals alike, this shift affects daily routines and sweet cravings—from that early-morning Ovaltine to your ubiquitous brown sugar boba tea.

So what exactly is happening, why, and how will it change your experience ordering drinks here? Let’s dive in.

The 50% Sweetness Rule: What Does it Mean?

In essence, Thailand’s Department of Health is calling on all made-to-order beverage vendors—from major chains to local street carts—to make 50% sweetness (that’s half of the standard amount of sugar) the new “normal” default for all drinks. This applies to milk teas, Thai iced coffee, fruit tea, smoothies, even classics like Nom Yen (sweetened pink milk) and Cha Yen (Thai tea).

Up until now, a “normal” drink order often meant a fairly high sugar content—sometimes up to 40-60 grams per serving. Moving forward, unless you ask otherwise, your drink will come at a less-sweet, 50% level. Sugar-lovers can still request extra sweetness, but the days of hidden, default high-sugar drinks are coming to an end.

Why is Thailand Cutting Back on Sugar?

The policy is part of a major push to reduce non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like diabetes, obesity, and heart disease. Thai people are among the world’s highest consumers of sugary beverages. According to the Department of Health, made-to-order drinks—think teas, coffees, and fruit-based concoctions—are a major culprit.

By resetting taste preferences and making “less sweet” the social norm, public health officials hope to shift the nation’s palate toward healthier habits. This isn’t just good for locals: expats and long-term visitors know well how much sugar can pop up in seemingly innocent drinks, so this move is relevant to all.

Who’s On Board With the New Standard?

The rollout follows a January 15 meeting attended by government officials, private-sector partners (including chains like Cafe Amazon, Inthanin, All Café, and Black Canyon), industry groups, and regulatory bodies such as the Food and Drug Administration. With buy-in from household names and major franchises, the new guideline will quickly permeate daily life, not just in Bangkok but nationwide.

The initiative isn’t forced—instead, it relies on social momentum, industry cooperation, and encouragement. Vendors aren’t required to rewrite their recipes, but the default option on the menu will be 50% sweetness unless a customer requests otherwise.

Some Major Brands Joining In:

• Cafe Amazon
• Inthanin Coffee Shop
• All Café (CP ALL)/Kadsuan/Bellinee’s
• Black Canyon

This list will likely grow as the policy gains traction among smaller independents and street-side sellers—the true backbone of Thailand’s café culture.

When Does the “Normal Sweetness = 50%” Standard Begin?

The Department of Health has announced the official launch will kick off on February 11. From that point on, whether you’re grabbing a coffee in Chonburi or an iced tea in Chiang Mai, expect the default sugar level to be half of what it once was unless you specify otherwise. Some outlets, especially large chains, have already begun implementing similar standards ahead of the official date.

What Does This Mean for Travelers, Expats, and Daily Drink Lovers?

If you’ve ever found Thai drinks overwhelmingly sweet, this shift will feel like a breath of fresh air. It’s especially good news if you struggle to communicate when ordering, or if you forget to ask for “waan noi” (less sweet) or “mai wan” (not sweet). Ordering your usual tea, coffee, or fruit shake will soon deliver a drink with much less sugar as standard—making it easier to stick to your health goals, or simply enjoy a more balanced flavor.

• How to order extra sweet? If you love the extra kick, just ask for “waan maak” (very sweet) or “tem” (full sugar) with your order.
• How to get even less? For an even lighter sugar load, ask for “waan noi” (a little sweet) or “mai wan” (not sweet).

If you’re a regular at local markets or night markets, you’ll notice vendors initiating conversations about sweetness and encouraging you to try the new standard. Travel bloggers, digital nomads, and health-conscious travelers will be able to share even more accurate recommendations on what to expect from cafes and street carts in Thailand.

Tips for Navigating the New Drink Culture

• Taste before you adjust: Try the 50% version before asking for more sugar—you might find it’s perfect (or even still quite sweet by Western standards!).
• Choose fresh options: Opt for freshly brewed tea or coffee over powdered mixes and syrup-heavy blends. Many new-style cafes are highlighting fresh, natural ingredients as part of this health push.
• Ask about customization: Don’t hesitate to tell baristas your preferred sweetness level. Most vendors are used to custom orders and will happily oblige.
• Stay hydrated the Thai way: When in doubt, switch to classic Thai herbal drinks or som tam-style salty lime sodas, which tend to be less sugar-heavy and super refreshing.

If you’re exploring Thai culture, this new rule dovetails with several other wellness-focused movements. For more on healthy eats and the evolving food scene, check out our guide to decoding Thai menus or get inspired by vegan fine dining in Thailand.

How Will This Impact the Thai Food Scene?

There’s little doubt that Thai food culture revolves around taste—especially the classic sweet, spicy, salty, and sour balance. Drink vendors have always played with sugar as an easy way to signal “delicious” and to ensure that their teas and coffees stand out. But changing habits isn’t impossible. The success of this policy will likely depend on:

• Consistent implementation at both chain and mom-and-pop cafes
• Ongoing customer education and positive feedback
• Emphasis on taste quality, rather than just sugar content

If you love exploring local markets, this is an excellent time to try drinks from operators adapting to the new rules—flavor innovation is here, and you might discover new favorites as the scene adapts!

Broader Wellness Trends in Thailand

This move toward lower sugar comes as Thailand’s wellness trend really takes off. From hotel brands offering yoga retreats to plant-based restaurants and digital nomad communities championing healthy living, there’s never been a better time to drink (and eat) smarter. If you’re researching more wellness-focused experiences, explore our guide to air quality apps for Thailand or look into medical tourism in Thailand for a holistic view of your health while traveling or living here.

Key takeaways

• Thailand’s Department of Health is setting 50% sweetness as the new national standard for made-to-order drinks.
• The guideline launches nationwide on February 11, 2026.
• The policy aims to reduce sugar-related diseases by shifting public taste.
• You’ll still be able to request custom sweetness, but 50% is the new default.
• Major drink chains and independent vendors are supporting the initiative.
• The policy is just one part of a broader wellness trend blossoming across Thailand.

Ready to taste the new normal? Give the 50% sweetness standard a try and let us know how it compares to the old-school Thai classics!

This article is based on information from the Bangkok Post.