Some common drinks may have more sugar than you think. These drinks contain “hidden” sugars, meaning they contain added sugar that is commonly mistaken for other ingredients. Remember, a sugary drink is any drink that has added sugar to it. Experts recommend limiting sugary drinks in your family’s diet, because too many sugary drinks can contribute to weight gain, cavities and many other health problems. Keep reading to see which common beverages contain hidden sugar.
Sports drinks: It’s a common myth that sports drinks are “healthy” choices for kids. Sports drinks contain, on average, 6 packets of sugar per 12-ounce serving. Try offering your kids ice cold water or making one of our healthy drink recipes when they are thirsty after being active.
Energy drinks: The average energy drink contains 6-7 teaspoons of sugar per serving. Energy drinks also have added caffeine, which can make it hard for your kids to sleep. Kids do better in school when they’ve had a good nights rest; offer your kids water, low-fat milk, or 100% fruit juice instead of energy drinks. This will help them stay healthy and get plenty of rest.
Fruit-flavored drinks: Did you know that one 12-ounce serving has about 10 packets of sugar added to it? When choosing a drink to serve your kids, opt for 100% fruit juice. To ensure the drink doesn’t have any hidden sugar, look for the phrase “100% fruit juice” on the label. Whole fruit is the best way to serve your kids fruit because it has added nutrition in it that fruit juice doesn’t have. However, if choosing 100% fruit juice, experts recommend limiting serving sizes to 4 to 6 ounces for children ages 4-6 years-old and less than 8 ounces for children 7-18 years-old.
Fruit nectar: Fruit nectar is commonly confused with 100% fruit juice. Fruit nectar often contains added sugars, preservatives and flavorings. Be sure to check the ingredients list for added sugars in fruit nectar.
How do I know if my drink has added sugar?
Check the ingredients list! The ingredients list is usually located underneath the nutrition facts panel. Visit our webpage for a step-by-step guide to help you determine if your drink has added sugar.
