Can we Sweeten the Sugar Tax?

Today, 6th April 2018, in the UK we see the introduction of the sugar tax or ‘soft drink industry levy’… so what’s it all about and how can we sweeten the tax?

 ‘What is the 'sugar tax'?’

This sugar levy applies a charge to manufacturers of soft drinks containing a teaspoonful or 5grams of sugar in every 100ml of drink or over; that’s 18p per litre of soft drink containing 5-8 g of sugar per 100ml and 24p for those drinks containing over 8g sugar per 100ml. This may increase the cost of sugar containing drinks if manufacturers pass this charge onto customers.

‘Why tax sugary drinks?’

Recent reports from NHS Statistics confirm that 1 in 5 children leaving primary school are overweight or obese and only 16% children eat 5 portions of fruit and vegetables each day. Those from deprived areas are reported to be most at risk with high sugar intake and susceptible to the effects of poor diet with higher rates of obesity related illness and tooth decay. Adults are not immune to the effects of unbalanced diets with more than 26% of adults classified obese and more than 55% overweight or obese. These statistics are shocking with obesity continuing to soar… we must act to prevent us and our future generations suffering obesity related disease such as diabetes, cancer and heart disease and ultimately early death.

Sugar containing drinks can contain upwards of 9-11 teaspoons of sugar in each glass, this is a significant amount of calories with no other nutrients. Even with healthy eating, consumption of ‘empty calories’ from drinks contributes to the development of obesity.

In addition to obesity and its related diseases sugary and carbonated drinks are directly related to dental caries and rotten teeth. Public Health England revealed today that a child in England has a tooth removed due to preventable disease every 10 minutes.

This action by the government complements a whole range of initiatives and future plans to improve the diet of the nation. It is by no means a one-off 'silver bullet' to cure obesity but rather a measure to help raise awareness of sugar containing foods and their impact and a means to kick start the conversation of how we can all make simple changes to improve our health.

‘Are all drinks taxed?’

Other than those drinks with less than 5g of sugar in every 100ml drink, there are other drinks exempt from this levy, including drinks:

·      With 75% or more milk content and Milk alternatives e.g. soya milk

·      Of fruit or vegetable juices with no added sugar

·      Comprising powdered products and Baby formulae

‘What will happen to the money raised?’

The Treasury estimates this will raise ￡240 million pounds per year and in England it is planned that this money will be distributed back into schools via sport and breakfast clubs.

‘The impact of the sugar tax?’

There has already been some positive actions from the soft drinks industry even before the sugar levy came into action. Several manufacturers have reformulated their products to contain less than 5g sugar per 100ml. Although not all manufacturers have followed suit this action lays a basis for further improvements in our choice and access to low sugar and sugar free options.

The impact of taxing high sugar products has been trialled in other countries. Sugar tax introduced in Mexico has yielded a decrease in consumption of high sugar drinks (particularly in deprived areas) but is yet to impact national obesity rates as this is likely to need more time to filter through to body weight statistics.

‘How can we sweeten the sugar tax?’

The best way to sweeten and beat the sugar tax is to choose healthier drink options, particularly water and milk... for children and adults alike. Look out for sugar free options and consider how you might improve your whole families diet.

"Everything in moderation" may not be the most exciting of messages but really applies here! Choosing a diet which is balanced and varied allows no food to be a ‘bad’ food and lets us really begin to love food again.

Consult a registered dietitian or nutrition professional for further information and support with making lifelong changes to health and lifestyle.