Glühwein not number one - these are the most popular drinks - Germans grapple with sugar overload from festive mulled wine and treats

The festive season in Germany often means indulging in sweet treats and warm drinks. But many people struggle to keep track of just how much sugar they consume during this time. A recent look at holiday habits shows that mulled wine, punch, and hot chocolate remain firm favourites—yet their high sugar content is raising concerns. Christmas markets across Germany serve up mulled wine, punch, and hot chocolate as seasonal staples. These drinks are deeply tied to the pre-Christmas tradition of relaxation and celebration. Yet, nearly half of Germans now believe the sugar levels in mulled wine are too high.

Last year, 44 percent of respondents admitted they lost count of how many sugary drinks they had during the holidays. One single serving of a winter beverage can sometimes contain more sugar than the recommended daily limit. Despite this, only 20 percent of Germans had tried their first mulled wine by mid-November. The temptation doesn't stop at drinks. Half of those surveyed found it almost impossible to resist sweets during the festive period. Interestingly, while mulled wine dominates the rankings, not all popular Advent drinks are overly sweet. The 2023 Statista survey highlights a mix of favourites, though it focuses mainly on general beverages rather than Advent-specific options.

The holiday season remains a time when many Germans set aside usual dietary rules. With mulled wine and other sugary drinks playing a central role, awareness of their sugar content is growing. Still, the tradition of indulgence shows little sign of slowing down.