Fruit juice should be banned from the list of healthy things to eat as part of the recommended ‘five a day’, because it is confusing for parents, say campaigners.
Health experts from Action on Sugar warn that a quarter of fruit juices, drinks and smoothies aimed at children contain as much sugar as Coca-Cola, and some considerably more.
Official advice currently says a 150ml glass of unsweetened fruit juice counts towards your five a day.
Katharine Jenner, Campaign Director of Action on Sugar said “Our advice is to eat the fruit, don’t drink the juice. Juice should be an occasional treat, not an ‘everyday’ drink,”
“These processed drinks are laden with sugar and calories and do not have the nutritional benefits of fresh fruit and vegetables.”
However, not everyone agrees. Fiona Hunter, an independent nutritionist and member of the British Dietetic Association said: “Most nutritionists and dietitians agree that juice can be part of a varied, healthy diet for the whole family.
In fact, the Government’s healthy eating advice, the Eatwell Plate, includes juice as part of a balanced diet.
“100 per cent pure fruit juice is nutrient rich, so whilst it contains only natural sugar from the fruit, it also adds real nutritional value to the diet with vitamins and minerals including vitamin C, potassium and folate.”
Source: Action on Sugar