Safefood: Fruit drinks have as much sugar as fizzy drinks

A survey by safefood has found that many juice drinks contain as much sugar as fizzy drinks.

Safefood is urging parents to choose water instead of juice drinks for their children in an effort to tackle childhood obesity.

The results of their label survey into the sugar levels of a wide selection of popular drinks for children show that some popular supermarket brands of cordials and dilutes were found to contain even higher sugar levels, with as much as five cubes of sugar in a small glass.

For example, a 200ml serving of a Capri Sun Apple & Blackcurrant Juice Drink contained as much sugar, 20g, as the equivalent serving of well-known fizzy drinks such as Coca-Cola, Pepsi or 7UP.

Dr Cliodhna Foley-Nolan, Director of Human Health and Nutrition, safefood, said: "Many parents may be under the impression that juice drinks that mention the term ‘fruit’ are a healthier alternative for their children than fizzy drinks. What parents may not realise is that these drinks are often really high in sugar and could contain as much sugar as ‘fizzy’ soft drinks."

"Our most recent survey of parents found that 45 per cent of children are drinking soft drinks at least once a day or more. The same survey also found that 30% drank cordials at mealtimes. Reducing a child’s intake of such drinks and replacing with water or milk would be a practical step."

Professor Donal O’Shea, Obesity Specialist with the HSE, said: "There is now clear evidence that links the consumption of sugar-sweetened drinks to overweight and obesity among children and adolescents.

"We need to start viewing these drinks as 'threats not treats' and certainly not something to be had everyday. Milk or water are best for our children."