%0 Journal Article
%T How much sugar is hidden in drinks marketed to children? A survey of fruit juices, juice drinks and smoothies
%A Ffion Lloyd-Williams
%A Helen Bromley
%A Jane Boulton
%A Katharine H Jenner
%A Kawther M Hashem
%A Simon Capewell
%J -
%D 2016
%R 10.1136/bmjopen-2015-010330
%X Objective To investigate the amount of sugars in fruit juices, juice drinks and smoothies (FJJDS) marketed to children.

Design We surveyed the sugars content (per 100£¿ml and standardised 200£¿ml portion) of all FJJDS sold by seven major UK supermarkets (supermarket own and branded products). Only products specifically marketed towards children were included. We excluded sports drinks, iced teas, sugar-sweetened carbonated drinks and cordials as being not specifically marketed towards children.

Results We identified 203 fruit juices (n=21), juice drinks (n=158) and smoothies (n=24) marketed to children. Sugars content ranged from 0 to 16£¿g/100£¿ml. The mean sugars content was 7.0£¿g/100£¿ml, but among the 100% fruit juice category, it was 10.7£¿g/100£¿ml. Smoothies (13.0£¿g/100£¿ml) contained the highest amounts of sugars and juice drinks (5.6£¿g/100£¿ml) contained the lowest amount. 117 of the 203 FJJDS surveyed would receive a Food Standards Agency ¡®red¡¯ colour-coded label for sugars per standardised 200£¿ml serving. Only 63 FJJDS would receive a ¡®green¡¯ colour-coded label. 85 products contained at least 19£¿g of sugars¡ªa child's entire maximum daily amount of sugars. 57 products contained sugar (sucrose), 65 contained non-caloric sweeteners and five contained both. Seven products contained glucose-fructose syrup.

Conclusions The sugars content in FJJDS marketed to children in the UK is unacceptably high. Manufacturers must stop adding unnecessary sugars and calories to their FJJDS
%U https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/6/3/e010330