Sugar tax led to a 50% reduction in children’s sugar consumption from soft drinks within three years of its announcement in the UK.
A recent study has revealed that sugar consumption among children from soft drinks in the UK halved within three years following the announcement of a sugar tax in 2016. The research, published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, found that the introduction of the tax, which came into effect in April 2018, led to a notable decrease in daily sugar intake for both children and adults.
The study analysed data from nearly 8,000 adults and 7,600 children over a decade, showing that children’s daily sugar intake dropped by about 4.8 grams, while adults saw a reduction of 10.9 grams after the tax’s implementation. Despite these reductions, sugar consumption still exceeds recommended guidelines, contributing to high levels of tooth decay, obesity, and other health issues.
Experts, including Dr. Nina Rogers of the University of Cambridge, who led the study, suggest that the success of the sugar tax on soft drinks should prompt the UK government to extend the levy to other high-sugar foods and beverages. The study underscores the effectiveness of the tax in improving public health and encourages policymakers to consider further measures to reduce sugar consumption across the board.
