While no-one is under any illusion that soft drinks are ‘healthy’, many of us are unaware of exactly what’s in them.
Even with the nutritional information listed on the bottle, the measurements used can make it difficult to visualise what’s actually contained in your fizzy drink — which is exactly what celebrity chef Jamie Oliver is hoping to change.
On a mission to decode the “confusing” drink labelling, Oliver has suggested an alternative system to identify how much sugar is in each drink by using teaspoons, posting an example on his Instagram.
"Hi guys...In this picture I've stuck on how many teaspoons of sugar are inside these drinks to give you clear and quick clarity so you can be aware. The industry doesn't like this idea because in my opinion they would prefer you to be confused so you buy more product. Confusion = ££!," he wrote.
"Have a look at the current nutritional labelling below my hack, there is no way it's as clear and fast to understand is it?! Also guys be aware that these amounts apply to 250ml which is half the bottle AND this is for adult reference intake ?!? Not a child's ??? Confused Yeah!!? What would you prefer to see on labels for speed and clarity????".
The recommended sugar intake for women advised by the World Health Organisation is around 25 grams — just six teaspoons.
Oliver's campaign comes as suggestion for UK Prime Minister David Cameron is working on pulling actions together to create the Childhood Obesity Strategy to combat the growing problem of childhood obesity and lack of awareness.
"This labelling exercise is about honesty. My belief is that if the public are given "good clear information" then you often make pretty good choices. The coming months will bring me much ridicule from industry so our only hope is that you guys have your voice heard... I do this for you guys, tell me what you think," Oliver said. (Post continues after gallery.)
