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The UK Labour government has extended its existing sugar tax to include milk-based drinks such as milkshakes, sweetened yoghurt drinks, and ready-to-go coffees in a new effort to combat rising childhood obesity and tooth decay.
Health Minister Wes Streeting stated that obesity robs children of a good start in life and costs the NHS billions annually, noting that nearly a quarter of 10- and 11-year-olds in England are obese.
Under the expanded levy, which firms must comply with by January 1, 2028, the sugar threshold for exemption will be lowered from five grams to 4.5 grams per 100 ml.
Drinks exceeding this threshold will incur a charge.
While campaigners welcomed the move as a “positive step,” some argued the reduction did not go far enough to force widespread product reformulation, as most drinks already meet or nearly meet the new limit.
The measure comes as official figures show tooth decay remains the leading cause of hospital admissions for children aged five to nine.
