Nanny State Index ranks European states based on tobacco, junk food and alcohol taxes and laws

which states clamp down the most on tobacco, alcohol and food choices.

The 2025 Nanny State Index ranked Turkey as the most interventionist state among 29 surveyed, the only one that banned e-cigarettes outright.

The UK takes the toughest stance on tobacco, with a €411 tax per kilogram.

England already outlawed cigarette-bending machines in 2011, while in less than two years the UK will ban everyone born in or after 2009 from ever buying tobacco.

Lithuania has the highest score among EU countries.

It's the only member state where you have to be 20 years old to buy alcohol.

Like Latvia, it also restricted energy drinks, banning sales to anyone under 18 since 2015.

When it comes to food and drinks, Hungary tops the list.

It has the most extensive taxation on food and soft drinks, targeting products like pre-cooked pasta, sweets,

sugary drinks, salty snacks and seasoning on top of a standard VAT rate of 27%.

Rounding out the Nanny State Index top 10 are Finland, Ireland, Poland, Estonia and Sweden.

In any case, studies have proved that raising taxes on products like alcohol and cigarettes helps to reduce consumption.