Research findings estimated that more than 1/3 of drinks contain the same amount or MORE SUGAR than a can of coca-cola, which contains 9 teaspoons of sugar per can. Around 1.7 billion cups of coffee are sold each year and 1/5 of the population visit coffee shops daily (including teens).

A report by ‘Action on Sugar’analysed 131 hot drinks and found some of the worst cases; drinks contained more than 20 or more teaspoons of sugar!!! Drinks analysed included flavoured coffees such as mochas and lattes, hot fruit drinks and hot chocolates from coffee shops and fast food chains. The statistics showed that 98% of the drinks tested would receive the red nutritional value label  for high sugar content. Some of the worst ‘sugar content’, for each type of flavoured drink are as follows:

-costa and Chai latte – Massimo with 20 teaspoons of sugar per serving.
-starbucks-white chocolate mocha with whipped cream – Venti with 18 teaspoons of sugar per serving.
-starbucks- Signature hot chocolate – Venti- with 15 teaspoons of sugar per serving.
-cafe nero- Caramelatte with 13 teaspoons of sugar per serving.

Starbucks, Costa and Cafe Nero said they were committed to reducing sugar content in their drinks. To tackle the issue ‘Action of Sugar’ called for a reduction on the amount of sugar in coffee shop drinks, a 20% reduction in tax for unhealthy drinks and products as well as a ban on marketing and promoting these products.

But for now these drinks have more than 3 x the Government recommended maximum!! We will say choose the healthiest options when you go out for drinks and better still stick to your water and home-made smoothies!! Be happy-be bright-be you!