CRANBERRY JUICE DRINKS HAVE MORE SUGAR THAN...

Drinks which appear healthy can have more sugar content in them than a can of Coca Cola, researchers warn

There is more sugar in many fruit drinks that appear healthy than in a can of Coca-Cola, research has found, amid calls for manufacturers to go “further, faster” in reducing its levels.

Research by the Local Government Association found that Ocean Spray Cranberry Classic juice had 11g of sugar per 100ml, while pomegranate drink Pomegreat had 12.1g. A can of full-sugar Coca-Cola has 10.6 grams, which amounts to 7 teaspoons of sugar.

Some of the fizzy drinks examined by the LGA contained still higher sugar levels.

A can of Old Jamaica Ginger Beer contained 12 teaspoons of sugar – twice the recommended daily sugar limit.

The LGA, which represents more than 370 councils in England and Wales, who are responsible for public health, called on manufacturers to follow the lead of those who have pledged to reduce sugar content.

It praised Britvic, makers of Robinsons, J2O, Tango and Fruit Shoot, for pledging to reduce average calories per serving by 20 per cent within five years.

The LGA called for more countries to take such actions, and said a share of the VAT raised on sugary drinks, sweets, crisps, and takeaway food should be invested in exercise classes and free swimming, to combat Britain’s obesity problem.

Izzi Seccombe, chairwoman of the LGA's Community Well-being Board, said: "It is wholly unacceptable for one normal-sized can of soft drink to contain 12 teaspoons of sugar - double the recommended daily limit.

"Products like these are fuelling the obesity crisis and helping wean a generation of overweight children.

"Some firms are showing willing when it comes to reducing sugar - but others are simply dragging their heels. They need to go further, faster.”

One in three children leaving primary school are classsed as obese or overweight.

The LGA said manufacturers must also provide clearer, larger and more prominent labelling which spells out the sugar content.

Last year Britain's chief advisor on obesity suggested parents ban all drinks but water from the dinner table in a bid to reduce the amount of sugar children consume.

Adam Pritchard, founder of Pomegreat, said: "Whilst I applaud the aims of the LGA in raising the issue of sugar in drinks, their claims about my brand are nonsense."

He said the product did not contain any raw sugar, but Pinitol, a natural fruit extract.

And I like cranberry juice oo