17 April 2012
Most soft drinks do not contain sugar, and those that do
clearly state the amount on the label
Most soft drinks do not contain sugar: more than 60 per cent of
the soft drinks market is now made up of diet, low calorie and no
added sugar drinks, up from 30 per cent 20 years ago. (source BSDA
2011 UK Soft Drinks Report, data from Zenith International)
And it is not the case that sugar in soft drinks is
“hidden”. Nutritional information, including calorie content
and sugar content, is stated in a clear format on the front of the
pack. The GDA format enables consumers easily to compare one
product with another and choose the one most suitable for their
diet.
Obesity arises from an excess of calories in
the diet over calories expended in exercise. To deal with
obesity means to address both sides of that equation, calories out
as well as calories in, lifestyle as well as diet. In the
context of diet, all calories are equal: no particular type of food
or drink provides a type of calories that are more likely to cause
obesity. Any food or drink may be consumed within a balanced
diet, but all must be consumed in moderation.
In particular, in the case of sugar-sweetened
soft drinks, a review of the available scientific evidence by
Sigrid Gibson in 2008 noted that sugar-sweetened drinks “are by
nature a source of energy but there is little evidence from
epidemiological studies that they are more obesogenic than any
other source of energy.” (source “Sugar-sweetened soft drinks
and obesity: a systematic review of the evidence from observational
studies and interventions”, Nutrition Research Reviews (2008), 21,
134–147)
Soft drinks include carbonated drinks, still
and dilutable drinks, fruit juices and smoothies, and bottled
waters. Average annual consumption per capita is 235 litres,
or 2.5 glasses per day. (source BSDA 2011 UK Soft Drinks Report,
data from Zenith International) These drinks include 100 per
cent natural drinks and functional drinks for those who want them,
as well as drinks without added sugar.
Soft drinks provide about 3 per cent of the
calories in the average diet. (source NDNS, 2008/9)
The sugars found in fruit juice and smoothies
are naturally occurring in the fruit from which the juice is
squeezed. Fruit juices and smoothies do not contain added
sugar.
Soft drinks offer a welcome alternative to
alcoholic drinks in many social situations.
Ends
For further information please contact
Richard Laming
Media Director
British Soft Drinks Association
Tel: 020 7405 0300 / 078 7965 4555
Email: rlaming@britishsoftdrinks.com
Website: www.britishsoftdrinks.com
Notes to editors
1. The British Soft Drinks Association
represents the interests of producers and manufacturers of soft
drinks including carbonated drinks, still and dilutable drinks,
fruit juices and bottled water. BSDA members are responsible for
the vast majority of products on the British soft drinks
market.