Health experts are cautioning against the high sugar content in popular alcohol-free drinks, warning that some options contain as much sugar as several KitKat bars. A recent study found that a 500ml bottle of Kopparberg Strawberry and Lime Alcohol-Free beverage contains an alarming 12.6 teaspoons of sugar, equivalent to more than two KitKat bars. Similarly, a 100ml serving of Kylie Minogue’s Alcohol-Free Sparkling Rose has 1.25 teaspoons of sugar.
With an estimated 17.5 million Britons participating in Dry January, health advocates are raising concerns about the sugar levels in these non-alcoholic drinks. The NHS recommends an adult daily sugar intake of around seven teaspoons. For instance, Thatchers Zero Cider packs six teaspoons of sugar in a 440ml can, while Inch’s 0.0% Alcohol-Free Apple Cider has 6.5 teaspoons per 440ml.
Sonia Pombo from Action on Salt and Sugar emphasized that replacing alcohol with sugary alternatives is not beneficial for health and may confuse consumers striving to make healthier choices. Nutritionist Paul Evans pointed out that many alcohol-free drinks are essentially sugar-laden, potentially leading to cravings, energy crashes, and unwanted weight gain.
Tam Fry of the National Obesity Forum warned about the long-term effects of consuming high-sugar, low-alcohol beverages, stating that although they may seem like a healthier option initially, the sugar content can have negative consequences over time. Manufacturers of these drinks were contacted for comments on the findings.