It's the holiday season - a time filled with gathering friends and family, gift giving and delicious food and beverages. This year, the Arkansas Beverage Association wants to remind you that choice isn't limited to just holiday gift ideas.

In a recent Northwest Arkansas Democrat Gazette article, Dennis Farmer, president of the Arkansas Beverage Association speaks to the wide variety of choices in beverages that are out there, many that are reduced- or zero-sugar, for your holiday gatherings. Arkansas' beverage industry believes in providing meaningful solutions that can help people reduce the sugar in their diet without taking away their right to choose.

"Arkansas' leading beverage companies have joined to help people moderate the sugar and calories they get from beverages," said Farmer.

Since 2015, the Association has been working with local partners, restaurants and stores in Little Rock to display and offer reduced-sugar or zero-sugar beverages and provide in-store samples and other incentives to try new options.

"In fact, 50 percent of all non-alcoholic beverages purchased today have no sugar, and 60 percent of new brands and flavors hitting the market are reduced- or zero-sugar drinks," said Farmer. 

Arkansans can be comforted in knowing they have the options and information they need to make the decisions that best fit their family's lifestyle during this holiday season.