Children's yoghurts contain high sugar levels, research finds

Research from Action on Salt & Sugar, conducted at Queen Mary University of London, has found that children’s yoghurts continue to contain substantial levels of unnecessary sugars. An analysis of 104 products revealed an average sugar content of 8.2g per 100g, with levels ranging from 4.7g to 14.1g per 100g.

Nestlé Smarties Vanilla Split Pot yoghurt was identified as having the highest sugar content at 14.1g per 100g, which equates to nearly four teaspoons of sugar per serving. Other high-sugar products included various Nestlé, Lidl, and Aldi brands. Conversely, The Collective Great Dairy Natural + Vitamin D and Yoplait Petits Filous No Added Sugar Strawberry & Banana were among the lowest, containing 4.7g per 100g.

Dr. Kawther Hashem, head of research & impact at Action on Salt & Sugar, noted that parents often expect products marketed to children to be healthier, but this is frequently not the case. The study highlights that while yoghurts are a recommended source of calcium and vitamin D by the NHS, many contain excessive free sugars. The findings suggest that one in five surveyed products could provide 25% or more of the recommended daily free sugar limit for children aged four to six in a single serving.