Fears over high sugar levels in UK hot drinks

Action on Sugar says there is ‘dangerously’ high sugar content in some flavoured coffees and other hot drinks.

The charity found the worst offender was Starbucks’ venti Grape with Chai, Orange and Cinnamon Hot Mulled Fruit, which had a total of 25 teaspoons of sugar per serving.

Costa’s massimo eat-in Chai Latte was found to contain 20 teaspoons of sugar, while Starbucks’ venti White Chocolate Mocha with Whipped Cream was found to have 18.

KFC’s mocha and Starbucks’ Signature Hot Chocolate both had 15 teaspoons of sugar per serving while Caffe Nero’s drink-in Caramelatte had 13.

Councillor Peter Edgar is responsible for education for the county council and sits on Portsmouth’s health overview and scrutiny panel.

He said: ‘These are quite frightening statistics, and I am particularly concerned about the modern fashion of the coffee shop.

‘It is to be welcomed as it’s a centre that brings young people together, but if it’s ruining their health we have to be worried about it.’