The study, based on federal survey data collected from 2011-2014, analyzed consumption of regular sodas, energy drinks, fruit drinks and coffee or tea products containing added sugars. The most recent official Dietary Guidelines for Americans, released a year ago, recommend choosing drinks without added sugars, such as unmanipulated fruit juices or even plain water.

Men consumed more calories through such drinks than women in all age groups, and in both sexes, consumption decreased with age.

There were significant differences in sugary drink use by race. Black and Hispanic men led all groups with 213 and 215 daily calories, respectively. On average, sugary drinks accounted for about 9% of daily calories in those two groups. For many that number is likely far higher — one quarter of males reported drinking two or more such drinks every day.