Journal article: Taxing sugary drinks is a public health measure that has been enacted in a growing number of jurisdictions over the past 15 years. This intervention needs to be evaluated, and its aims clarified. Based on the results of a multidisciplinary research project, in this article we report on the conditions that led to the revision of the taxation of sugar-sweetened beverages in France in 2018. We found an intention to improve the nutritional quality of the beverage offer rather than directly influence consumer behavior. We discuss some of the effects associated with the tax implementation.