Top Contenders for Highest Sugar Soft Drink in the UK
While many mainstream brands have reformulated their products since the introduction of the Soft Drinks Industry Levy (SDIL) in 2018, certain drinks continue to stand out for their exceptionally high sugar content. Some traditional and imported options often feature high sugar levels to maintain a specific flavour profile.
Old Jamaica Ginger Beer Extra Fiery
Long cited as a primary example of high-sugar beverages, Old Jamaica Ginger Beer Extra Fiery has been noted to contain 15.7g of sugar per 100ml. For a standard 330ml can, this equates to more than 50g of sugar, well over the daily recommended intake for an adult. The manufacturer has explained this is part of its traditional recipe, though a lower-sugar version is available.
Rockstar Punched Guava
Before potential reformulations, energy drinks were frequent offenders regarding high sugar content. Rockstar Punched Guava, for instance, once contained 15.6g of sugar per 100ml, placing it in a similar category to the highest-sugar ginger beers. While many energy drink brands have adjusted their recipes, some versions still contain significant amounts of sugar.
Imported and Speciality Drinks
Some drinks from smaller producers or imported from outside the UK market may have higher sugar levels as they are not specifically formulated to meet UK SDIL requirements. Early reports highlighted brands like Fentimans and some premium lemonades for containing more sugar than major-brand colas.
The Impact of the UK Sugar Tax (Soft Drinks Industry Levy)
Introduced in April 2018, the SDIL significantly altered the UK soft drinks landscape. The levy applies to drinks with added sugar and incentivises manufacturers to reduce their sugar content to avoid the tax.
Two Tiers of Levy:
- Higher Rate: For drinks with 8g of sugar or more per 100ml.
- Standard Rate: For drinks with sugar content between 5g and 8g per 100ml.
As a result of the levy, the total sugar sold in soft drinks by retailers and manufacturers decreased by 35.4% between 2015 and 2019. Many brands, including Irn Bru and Dr Pepper, reformulated their recipes, and many now fall below the taxing thresholds.
Making Sense of Nutritional Labels
Consumers can use the nutritional information on product packaging to make informed choices. Sugar content is typically displayed per 100ml, making it easy to compare drinks. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends limiting 'free sugars' (including added sugars and those in honey, syrups, and fruit juice) to less than 10% of total daily energy intake. The NHS recommends no more than 30g of free sugars daily for adults.
Comparison Table: Sugar in UK Soft Drinks (per 100ml)
| Brand/Product | Sugar Content (g per 100ml) | Levy Tier (Before reformulation) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Old Jamaica Ginger Beer Extra Fiery | 15.7g | Higher | Traditional recipe, high sugar |
| Rockstar Punched Guava | 15.6g | Higher | Energy drink, high sugar |
| Mountain Dew | 13g | Higher | Import, often high sugar |
| Coca-Cola Classic | 10.6g | Higher | Recipe largely unchanged, subject to levy |
| Red Bull (Regular) | 11g | Higher | High sugar, but sugar-free options available |
| San Pellegrino Lemonade | 10g | Higher | 'Premium' drink, can contain high sugar |
| Irn Bru (Pre-2018) | 10.3g | Higher | Reformulated to avoid levy |
| Fanta Orange | 4.6g | None | Reformulated to avoid levy |
Understanding the Sugar Sources
Some soft drinks, like fruit juices and smoothies, are exempt from the SDIL because their sugars are naturally occurring rather than added. However, health experts still advise moderate consumption as the body processes these sugars similarly to added sugars. For example, a 100% fruit juice can contain just as much or even more sugar than a cola.
The Evolution of the Soft Drinks Market
Since the levy, the UK market has seen significant shifts. Manufacturers responded by either reformulating products to contain less than 5g of sugar per 100ml or by offering smaller portion sizes. This has made it more challenging to identify the highest sugar content products on the shelf, as many once-sugary beverages are now low-sugar alternatives.
Conclusion
While Old Jamaica Ginger Beer Extra Fiery has been historically cited as the soft drink with the most sugar in the UK, many brands have since reformulated their recipes in response to the Soft Drinks Industry Levy. Consumers should check nutritional labels, as some imported, traditional, or energy drink varieties may still contain very high sugar levels. The most sugary options may not be the most obvious, and even 'premium' or juice-based drinks can pack a surprisingly high sugar punch. Making healthier choices often requires careful label reading, not just relying on brand reputation. For more information on the impact and effectiveness of the SDIL, see the Institute for Government's explainer on the sugar tax..
