Methods: In this cross-sectional descriptive study, dietitians were recruited through the weekly Association of Dietetics in South Africa newsletter and social media platforms. Dietitians (n = 138) completed an electronic survey using Survey Monkey. The survey consisted of five sections; consent, demographics, awareness of the sugar taxation, opinions and SSB purchasing/consumption of patients. Descriptive statistics was performed using Statistica version 13.2.

Results: Nearly all of the dietitians were female (95%, n = 131), with a mean age of 33 years (± 9.73). Two thirds were qualified with a four year professional Honors degree (67%, n = 92) and 25% (n = 34) had a Master's degree. A majority of dietitians were employed full time (80%, n = 111), working mainly in the area of clinical nutrition (26%, n = 33) and private practice (21%, n = 27). Most dietitians (98%, n = 127) were aware of the sugar tax, although 75% (n = 98) did not know the sugar content where tax was applicable and 78% (n = 101) did not know the tax amount levied. Dietitians opinion towards the HPL was positive (75%, n = 94), although 56% (n = 68) disagreed it would reduce obesity. A majority of dietitians (86%, n = 108) indicated other factors contribute to obesity. Most dietitians consult with patients (73%, n = 90). Patients were mainly from a lower socio-economic status (43%, n = 60). Dietitians disagreed it would reduce their patient's beverage consumption (61%, n = 55), with most agreeing the tax was too little to make a difference (71%, n = 89) and that it is mainly due to patient's liking the taste for not changing (46%, n = 36). Dietitians (34%, n = 31) use the SBL as a motivational tool, while 83% (n = 75) teach their patients to look for sugar on food labels.

Conclusion: From the dietitian's perspective, the sugar taxation has not influenced their patient's consumption behaviour. Dietitians have a positive attitude toward the HPL although they don't think it will reduce the prevalence of obesity. Other strategies should be employed to reduce sugar consumption in the SA population.