The government seeks to curb childhood obesity and rising healthcare costs by targeting sugary milk-based drinks in a new consultation

The UK’s government is considering extending the controversial sugar tax, officially known as the Soft Drinks Industry Levy, to include milkshakes and pre-packaged coffees. This would encompass both dairy and plant-based beverages, from iced lattes to frappuccinos, which are becoming staple purchases at many supermarkets.

This proposal forms part of a wider initiative aimed at combating childhood obesity and addressing the increasing burden on the NHS from diet-related illnesses. Nutritionists are calling for urgent measures to address the high sugar content in drinks that often go unnoticed by consumers.

Jodie Brandman, a nutrition expert, emphasised the detrimental effects of sugary drinks, warning that milkshakes and flavoured coffees essentially deliver liquid sugar. “When sugar is added to a drink, especially one that doesn’t require chewing, it leads to rapid blood sugar spikes, contributing to long-term health issues like inflammation and insulin resistance,” she explained.

The consultation, launched by the government, will consider how to adjust the levy to tackle these high-sugar drinks more effectively. While traditional sodas are already targeted by the sugar tax, this move would expand the levy to include bottled frappes, chocolate milkshakes, and plant-based milk alternatives, such as those made with oat, almond, or rice milk.

The idea is to reduce the consumption of sugary beverages, which are a significant contributor to rising obesity rates and related health problems. Many of these drinks are marketed as convenient, healthy options, yet they often contain alarming amounts of sugar. For instance, Starbucks’ Caramel Frappuccino Flavoured Milk Iced Coffee packs 23.5 grams of sugar in a 250ml bottle — nearly the same as a 330ml can of Coca-Cola, which has 35 grams of sugar. Similarly, their Caramel Macchiato Flavoured Milk Iced Coffee contains 28.71 grams of sugar per 330ml bottle.

Despite the growing concern over these drinks’ sugar content, Starbucks has introduced a “No Added Sugar” version of their popular Frappuccinos, offering a more moderate 9 grams of sugar in the 250ml bottle. But nutritionists argue that any sugar-laden drink should be subject to regulation.

The sugar tax, initially applied to sodas, is part of broader efforts to address the rising public health crisis of obesity and diabetes. Experts warn that without extending the levy to these sugary milk-based beverages, the government risks leaving a major source of sugar consumption unchecked.

As the consultation period progresses, the government’s decision on whether to expand the levy will have significant consequences for both consumers and beverage companies. If the proposal moves forward, it may lead to higher prices for sugary drinks, prompting people to rethink their choices in favour of healthier alternatives.