Summary
The UK government announced that from 2028, certain milkshakes and lattes with high sugar content will have an extra tax. This tax, initially for fizzy drinks, aims to reduce sugar consumption and will not affect drinks made fresh in cafes.
Key Facts
- The UK will extend a sugar tax to include pre-packaged milkshakes and lattes in 2028.
- The sugar tax was first applied to fizzy drinks in 2018.
- Products affected include those in cans, cartons, which are high in sugar.
- Drinks prepared fresh in cafes or coffee shops are not taxed.
- The sugar threshold for the tax will lower from 5g to 4.5g per 100ml.
- A "lactose allowance" will exclude naturally occurring milk sugars from the tax calculation.
- Drinks with plant-based milk will be taxed if they have 4.5g or more sugars per 100ml.
- Politicians have criticized the tax as government overreach, but officials say it's for public health benefits.
