The tax, which went into effect in Cook County on Aug. 1, was repealed Oct. 11 when the commissioners voted 15-2 to undo the tax.

As many working within this industry know, these taxes extend to nearly all beverage categories (minus 100 percent juice, milk, milk alternatives, infant formula, medical-use beverages, therapeutic meal replacements, or syrup and powder mixes). Many retailers and consumers are noting the confusing nature of these taxes.

On Jan. 1, the city of Philadelphia instituted a new tax on sweetened beverages. Any drink containing a sugar-based sweetener or artificial sweetener is now subject to a 1.5 cent-per-ounce sugar tax.