A new study carried out by Action on Sugar has revealed that some children’s juice drinks contain more sugar than Coca-Cola.
The study, which examined drinks from major retailers and supermarket chains, found that some children’s fruit drinks contain over a teaspoon more sugar than ‘full-fat’ Coca-Cola. The World Health Organisation recommends that people consume a maximum of ten per cent of their total energy from added sugars, which is approximately ten teaspoons. However, a study from the University College London has suggested this should be reduced to three teaspoons, which would amount to half a can of Coca-Cola.
Action on Sugar has criticised the labelling of high sugar fruit drinks as being healthy for children. The group has advised parents to avoid fruit drinks unless served with meals, and to either water down drinks or replace them with water.