Children's Juices Contain More Sugars Than Coca Cola!

Beware hidden sugar

The results of a recent survey by Action on Sugar into the hidden sugars in children's juices are surprising. Over a quarter of seemingly healthy fruit juices (57 of 203 products) contained the same amount or more sugar than well known fizzy drink brands – which, the report suggests, contain 5 teaspoons of sugar per 200ml glass.

Consequently, these drinks are a major and unnecessary source of sugars and calories, causing tooth decay, obesity and type 2 diabetes. One in five children aged 4-5 and one in three aged 10-11 are now overweight or clinically obese in England. That's why Action on Sugar are encouraging parents to give their children water or whole fruit instead of juices.

Consider the alternatives

Action on Sugar is a group of specialists concerned with sugar and its effects on health. The organisation says it's working to reach a consensus with the food industry and the government over the harmful effects of a high-sugar diet and reducing the amount of sugar in processed foods.

Mara's blend of seaweeds, Shony, contains a sweet kelp which helps to make this seasoning a delicious alternative to sugar in cooking. Add it to tomato sauces, granola, or cut down your sugar in baking by replacing a tablespoon of sugar with Mara's magic blend. There are many other health benefits for children who consume seaweed as part of a balanced diet.

You can also check out our recipe for a far healthier fruit juice, albeit a more grown up version: the Bloody Mara with Kombu!