Sugary drink advertising expenditure across Australian media channels 2016–2018

The aim of this study was to describe advertising expenditure for sugary drinks compared with alternative cold non‐alcoholic beverages (artificially sweetened beverages, plain water, milk) between 2016 and 2018 across Australian media channels. Monthly estimates were obtained from Nielsen Media aggregated by product type media. Total drink ($129.5M) significantly exceeded on artificially ($23.26M), water ($14.27M), milk ($31.30M). Television out‐of‐home accounted the largest share (45%, 35%). Expenditure more heavily dominated (75%) than in all combined (65%). Sugary peaked warmer months lowest August. Soft (26%), flavoured milks (24%) energy (21%) majority advertising. Cold beverage is drinks. Restricting unhealthy television may be most effective initially. However, comprehensive restrictions capturing a broader range settings would optimal prevent displacement limit reach exposure.