With the Christmas season in full swing, festive hot drinks are becoming increasingly popular, despite containing almost a third of the recommended daily sugar intake.
A study found that festive hot drinks can contain up to 23 teaspoons of sugar, and over 700 calories.
‘Action on Sugar’ examined festive hot drinks, including lattes and hot chocolate, to see which contained the highest amount of sugar and calories.
Their research explained the negative effects that sugary drinks and snacks can have on young children.
The Christmas markets at Media City in Salford, host several stalls selling festive hot drinks, many of which have the option of added cream, marshmallows and other flavourings.
A barista-bartender at the Christmas markets said: “We do marshmallows and whipped cream, and most people will say yes to that if we offer it.
“I don’t know if companies make [the amount of sugar] in their hot drinks clear.”
In Salford, a study by Greater Manchester Health and Social Care Partnership (GMHSC) found that 51% of five-year olds in Salford are affected by tooth decay.
Although Christmas is time for indulgence, festive hot drinks are seemingly a health risk and should be consumed responsibly.
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