Press Release
Wednesday 3 December 2008
BSDA launches
study into children’s consumption of soft
drinks
Published today (3 December),
this new study looks at the varying types of soft
drinks UKchildren are consuming,
and how patterns have changed over time.
The research was conducted by independent
research company TNS for the British Soft Drinks Association and
shows that squash has retained its enduring popularity as a low
cost, enjoyable beverage choice for children across all ages.
Children’s drink choices have also become more varied and fruit
juice, juice drinks, bottled water and milk are now chosen twice as
often as in 1993.
Further key findings from the research
show that:
55% of soft drinks consumed by children now
contain no added sugar compared with 46% in 2004 – children are now
20% more likely to consume a drink with no added sugar than they
were in 2004
Squash is the most popular soft drink in children’s school
lunchboxes.
- Bottled water has also become increasingly popular
- 97% of drinks consumed in school hours are obtained at school
or brought in the lunchbox from home, and only 3% are obtained
elsewhere
- More than 86% of soft drinks (and 93% of fruit juices) are
consumed with food.
These findings highlight that children now have a wide range of
soft drinks to choose from, with new choices gaining in popularity
alongside old favourites. No added sugar, diet and low calorie soft
drinks have also seen an increase in popularity amongst children
over the last four years.
The research found that parents want to play an active role in
ensuring their children have a balanced diet and want to set a good
example so their children understand the need to maintain a healthy
active lifestyle.
When children are the only ones having a drink, they are opting
for squash as a first choice. Juice, juice drinks and milk are also
popular choices among all ages. In the upper age group (11-16s) we
see an increased proportion of children opting for more
adult-orientated drinks such as carbonates, 21 per cent of 11-16
year olds opting for carbonates in comparison to 13 per cent of
6-10s. Squash still remains the most popular soft drink type and is
chosen 22 per cent of the time.
When consuming soft drinks with their parents, the research
showed that children drink a similar range of drinks. The most
noticeable difference when the children are with adults is that for
children between the ages of 6 -16 years old, tea is three or four
times more likely to be consumed.
Commenting on the findings of this research, Jill Ardagh, BSDA
Director General, said:
“This research provides a fascinating insight into what children
are drinking and how their habits have changed. Children and their
parents now have a wide range of soft drinks to choose from,
helping them keep refreshed and hydrated throughout the day and
maintain a balanced diet and active lifestyle.”
- ends -
For further information and a copy of the research please
contact:
Richard Laming
BSDA Media Director
Tel: 020 7400 3707 or 07879 654555
E-mail: rlaming@britishsoftdrinks.com
Website: http://www.britishsoftdrinks.com
Notes to Editors
1. All statistical data is from BSDA
Consumer Research: Children’s Consumption of Soft Drinks,
published by the British Soft Drinks Association with data from
independent market analysts TNS. This survey provides information
previously unavailable, combining two sets of data to understand
the drinking habits of children between 0-16 years old. Over 22,500
individuals including 3,500 children were surveyed to provide
comprehensive information on what children are drinking, trends in
consumption and how children are making their drinks choices.
2. The British Soft Drinks Association
represents 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.
3. A full copy of all the research findings
can be
viewed here. View the research findings
in high resolution here (warning - large file 19 MB)