A new study by Foodwatch Austria provides alarming results: In a comprehensive sugar check, the consumers analyzed: Inner organization 112 children’s drinks from supermarkets, drugstores and discounters – the result is more than worrying. The majority of the drinks marketed as “child -friendly” are completely sugared and drastically exceeds the recommendation for sugar intake in children.
79 percent of the drinks contain more than five grams of sugar per 100 milliliters, just under half of all the products examined (45 percent) are even heavily sugared and contain at least eight grams of sugar per 100 milliliters. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that less than five percent of daily energy intake should come from sugar in children. This is 19 grams of sugar a day for four to seven-year-old children- this value is often far exceeded with the consumption of only one of these “children’s drinks”. Particularly problematic: drinks with “healthy” advertising promises such as added vitamins often turn out to be the greatest sugar traps.
No current data on the sugar consumption of children in Austria
While other countries are already reforming their nutritional policy, Austria even lacks a well -founded data basis. The last survey on the sugar consumption of children dates from 2012 – there is no reliable figures on current consumption. International studies show that children and young people consume too much sugar and that sweet drinks are one of the main sources.
Long -term health consequences: sugar makes children sick
High sugar consumption in childhood is associated with numerous health risks. Studies show that excessive sugar consumption significantly increases the risk of overweight and obesity – a development that begins at a young age. In Austria, 34 percent of the boys and 26 percent of girls in elementary school are overweight, 16 percent of the boys and 8 percent of girls are considered to be obese. The consequences are profound and range from type 2 diabetes to cardiovascular diseases to dental problems such as caries.
Sugar crisis on the children’s shelf
An average children’s drink contains 24 grams of sugar per pack – this corresponds to more than six pieces of cube sugar. Drinking packages and bubble teas exceed the entire recommended daily dose for children with up to 60 grams of sugar per pack of more than triple. Even fruit juices, often advertised as healthy, contain even more sugar than lemonades in many cases.
Marketing tricks at the expense of child health
Foodwatch also criticizes misleading packaging: Many children’s drinks advertise with comic figures such as Paw Patrol or Peppa Pig. Such designs tempt children to buy without parents being able to recognize the high sugar load at first glance.
Foodwatch demands: implement protective measures now!
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Introduce the cracker tax – so that manufacturers reduce the sugar in their products.
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Prohibition of applying unhealthy foods to children too – also for child -friendly product packaging.
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Mandatory Nutri-Score identification – for transparency at first glance.
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Age limit for energy drinks – to protect children and adolescents.
“We finally need clear measures against the sugar problem in Austria. Our market study has shown that even with children’s drinks, industry continues to focus on profit instead of health. That is why politics must finally take responsibility and implement our demands!” Requests Miriam Maurer, Campaigner at Foodwatch Austria and author of the market study.
Further information:
SoundBites Miriam Maurer Market study
About Foodwatch Austria:
Foodwatch Austria is committed to the rights of consumers with powerful campaigns: inside in the food sector. We fight for transparent information, the comprehensive protection of consumers: inside the interests of the food industry as well as safe and healthy food for everyone. Regardless of the state and business, Foodwatch is financed exclusively by donations and does not use cooperations with companies or political institutions. In this way, the organization remains free and credible in its work. Foodwatch is committed to sustainable changes at the national and EU level and is currently active in Germany, France, the Netherlands and Austria.