Millions of Britons are putting their health at risk by ordering hot chocolate and other trendy chai drinks that contain staggering amounts of sugar – up to 25 teaspoons – in just one serving, according to a new study by Action on Sugar.
The campaign group found that 98% of the 131 hot flavoured drinks from major high street chains would carry a “red” warning for excessive sugar levels if coffee shops were forced to label them. Starbucks’s Hot Mulled Fruit (grape with chai, orange and cinnamon venti) was named the worst offender, containing 25 teaspoons of sugar – more than three times the recommended maximum adult daily intake.
Costa’s largest chai latte was found to contain 20 teaspoons of sugar, while an extra large Signature hot chocolate from Starbucks contained 15 teaspoons, double the daily adult maximum. More than one-third of the drinks tested contained the same or higher levels of sugar as a can of Coca-Cola.
Action on Sugar has called on coffee chains to stop serving extra-large cups of sugar-laden hot drinks, singling out Starbucks for its larger serving sizes. Starbucks said it was committed to reducing added sugar in its indulgent drinks by 25% by the end of 2020, while Costa said it had already taken steps to reduce sugar content and would set reduction targets for 2020.
Kawther Hashem, registered nutritionist and researcher for Action on Sugar, advised consumers to have plain hot drinks or request minimal syrup in the smallest serving size. Professor Graham MacGregor of Queen Mary University of London called the findings evidence of the “scandalous amount of sugar added to our food and drink” and urged the prime minister to establish an independent nutrition agency.
