The UK Government has announced changes to items excluded from the so-called ‘sugar tax’
Pre-packaged milkshakes and lattes will be subject to stricter rules from January 1, 2028, after a UK Government announcement. UK health secretary Wes Streeting has said the threshold for drinks subject to the sugar tax on soft drinks will be lowered from 5g to 4.5g per 100ml.
The government is also removing the exemption to the tax that currently applies to milk-based drinks in a bid to raise £40m to £45m a year.
The change will apply to packaged milkshakes and coffees though beverages prepared in cafés and restaurants will remain unaffected. For the biggest stories in Wales first sign up to our daily newsletter.
The UK Government says “open-cup” drinks prepared in cafes and bars won’t be affected and nor will plain cow’s milk nor “other milk drinks without added sugar”.
The sugar levy, also referred to as the soft drinks industry levy (SDIL), is imposed on pre-packaged beverages such as those sold in tins and cartons at supermarkets.
It targets manufacturers and was brought in by the Conservative government in 2018 to help tackle obesity, particularly among children.
According to Treasury figures children’s sugar consumption in the UK exceeds twice the recommended maximum of no more than 5% energy from free sugar. The current levy has resulted in a 46% average reduction in sugar between 2015 and 2020 for those soft drinks that fell under the regulations.
The Welsh Government, which is in charge of health, has said the changes would apply in Wales.
There will be another set of regulations affecting food in Wales soon too. The Food (Promotion and Presentation) (Wales) Regulations 2025 will restrict the marketing of junk food.
These measures will focus on products loaded with fat, sugar, and salt encompassing items such as yoghurts, cereal, pizza, and chocolate sweets.
The restrictions mean retailers will be limited about where foods that are high in fat, salt, and sugar can be can be put in shops and offers such as three-for-two and buy-one-get-one-free will be limited.
The Welsh Government said the measure was intended to try to make people choose healthier options and to cut obesity levels.
Supermarkets won’t be allowed to display unhealthy food items within two metres of checkouts or queuing areas.
