In January, individuals participating in Dry January might be consuming alcoholic drinks with sugar content equivalent to that found in two-and-a-half KitKat bars. For instance, a 500ml bottle of Kopparberg Strawberry and Lime Alcohol-Free beverage contains approximately 12.6 teaspoons of sugar, while a 41.5g KitKat bar contains five teaspoons. Similarly, a 100ml serving of pop icon Kylie Minogue’s Alcohol-Free Sparkling Rose provides drinkers with 1.25 teaspoons of sugar.
As an estimated 17.5 million people in Britain are abstaining from alcohol this month, health advocates are raising concerns about the high sugar levels in drinks. The NHS recommends a daily adult sugar intake of around seven teaspoons. Notably, cans of Thatchers Zero Cider (440ml) contain the equivalent of six teaspoons of sugar, while Inch’s 0.0% Alcohol-Free Apple Cider contains 6.5 teaspoons per 440ml.
Sonia Pombo from Action on Salt and Sugar cautioned against replacing alcohol with sugary alternatives, stating that the increasing availability of such drinks poses a risk to public health initiatives and may confuse consumers striving to make healthier choices. Nutritionist Paul Evans, host of the podcast No Forking Nonsense, highlighted the alarming sugar content in alcohol-free beverages, emphasizing the potential negative effects on cravings, energy levels, and weight management.
Tam Fry from the National Obesity Forum warned that while low-alcohol options may seem beneficial in the short term, the sugar content could have adverse long-term effects. The manufacturers of these beverages were approached for comments on the matter.