New research from Action on Salt & Sugar uncovers persistent high sugar levels in children’s yoghurts, highlighting uneven progress and calls for stricter regulations to protect young consumers.
Children’s yoghurts still contain far more sugar than many parents might expect, according to new research from Action on Salt & Sugar at Queen Mary University of London. The group examined 104 products aimed at children and found an average of 8.2g of sugar per 100g, with individual products ranging from 4.7g to 14.1g. At the top end was Nestlé Smarties Vanilla Split Pot yoghurt, which contained 14.1g per 100g and almost four teaspoons of sugar in a single serving.
The findings suggest that, even where some reformulation has taken place, many products marketed as suitable for children remain high in free sugars, the type added during processing rather than naturally present in milk. Action on Salt & Sugar said that if milk’s naturally occurring sugars are taken into account, roughly one in five of the yoghurts surveyed would supply at least a quarter of the recommended free-sugars limit for a child aged four to six in a suggested portion. Only two products were classed as low in sugar, while Nestlé’s range had the highest average sugar content among the brands studied.
The research also points to uneven progress across the sector. Action on Salt & Sugar said average sugar levels in children’s yoghurts have fallen from 9.2g per 100g in 2021 to 8.2g this year, an 11% drop, but that improvement has been patchy. The Collective recorded the sharpest reduction, with average sugar levels down from 9.1g per 100g in 2021 to 6.3g, a fall of 32%. By contrast, Nestlé products averaged 10.7g per 100g, while Lidl and Aldi products averaged 9.4g and 9.0g respectively. Sainsbury’s and Yeo Valley had the lowest averages, at 6.2g and 6.8g.
Campaigners argue the results strengthen the case for tougher rules on products aimed at children. Action on Salt & Sugar wants cartoons, bright colours and familiar characters reserved for healthier choices, and says voluntary industry pledges have not delivered fast or consistent enough change. Its call comes as Recipe for Change’s Citizens’ Charter prepares to push ministers to make healthier food more affordable and easier to buy. Nestlé, meanwhile, said it offers both indulgent dessert-style yoghurts and lower-sugar options, and said it has already cut sugar across its portfolio by more than 20%.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
