Liverpool research claims children's juices have 'unnecessary high levels of sugar'
Research claims almost half of children's juices contain a daily intake of sugar in a single carton.
Health experts in Liverpool have claimed many fruit children's fruit juices and smoothies contain astonishing levels of sugar - some up to 5 teaspoons in a single carton.
Research from the campaign group Action on Sugar has revealed almost half that was assessed contained 19 grams of sugar - the maximum daily intake.
They claim that sugary drinks including fruit juices are one of the main contributors to excess sugar consumption amongst children and adults in the UK
Last week, the Chancellor announced a so called 'Sugar Tax' on the soft drinks industry which is aimed at high sugar drinks such as fizzy pop.
Pure fruit juices are exempt.
Professor Simon Capewell from the University of Liverpool's Department of Public Health and Policy said:
"We are looking at the possibility at today's children will have a shorter life span than their parents because of fast food and sugary drinks. This is a totally avoidable disaster."
"Parent's need to be wary at anything in a carton with a picture of a fruit on it, whether it's a berry or an orange or an apple. You can guarantee there's a lot of free sugar hidden in that one carton."
Co-author of the study Kawther Hashem, Registered Nutritionist and Researcher of Action on Sugar says: “It is highly concerning that many parents are still buying fruit juices and juice drinks for their children thinking they are choosing healthy products; children should be given as little juice as possible (maximum of 150ml/day). These juices rot children's teeth and give children a ‘sweet tooth’ that will affect their general health in later life.
“What is more concerning are the products with added sugar and glucose-fructose syrup. We call on all manufacturers to stop adding more sugars to already sweet juices, particularly in children’s products and to restrict children’s drinks to only 150ml bottles/cartons. “Our advice is to eat the fruit, don’t drink the juice. Juice should be an occasional treat, not an ‘everyday’ drink"
"These processed drinks are laden with sugars and calories and do not have the same nutritional benefits of fresh fruit and vegetables.”