Britain's Sweet Move: Cutting Sugar in Drinks

The United Kingdom is intensifying its battle against sugar. The government is expanding its sugar tax to include more drinks, such as:

• Sweetened milk drinks (flavored milks, milkshakes)
• Milk alternatives with added sugar
• Yogurt drinks
• Some coffee drinks

Key Points:

• Companies have until January 2028 to reduce sugar or pay the tax.
• This is part of the U.K.'s plan to tackle obesity and sugar-related health problems.
• The change could cut 17 million calories from the nation's daily sugar intake.
• Potential benefits:
• Prevention of serious health issues (cancer, heart disease, stroke)
• Reduced burden on the health system

Background

• The U.K. introduced a sugar tax on soft drinks in 2018.
• The tax was successful:
• Many companies reduced sugar to avoid the tax.
• British sodas now have less sugar than similar U.S. products.
• The new rules lower the sugar threshold further, encouraging more reductions.

Expert Opinions

• A nutritionist supporting the tax noted:
• Sugary drinks are a main target.
• Sugar is a major reason for childhood hospitalizations in the U.K.
• The initial tax has already reduced health risks and prevented thousands of obesity cases among young girls.
• The impact is greater in deprived areas.

Personal Experience

• An American living in the U.K. noticed health benefits:
• British products are often healthier than similar U.S. items.
• She felt more energetic and had clearer skin after switching to lower-sugar products.
• In the U.S., only a few cities have soda taxes, meaning American manufacturers have less incentive to reduce sugar.