Hidden sugars

These drinks are a major and unnecessary source of sugars and calories, causing tooth decay, obesity and type 2 diabetes

According to a new survey by Action on Sugar on the hidden sugars found in seemingly healthy children’s fruit juices, juice drinks, smoothies – over a quarter of products surveyed (i.e. 57 of the 203 products) contain the same amount or more sugars than Coca Cola – which contains a massive 5 teaspoons of sugar per 200ml glass.

With one in five children aged four to five and one in three children aged 10-11 now overweight or clinically obese and tooth decay being the most common reason for children in England being admitted to hospital, Action on Sugar is urging (a) parents to give children water or whole fruit instead of juice and (b) manufacturers to reduce the level of sugars in their drinks, and to stop adding unnecessary sugars and calories, now.