A recent study by Public Health England (PHE) reveals alarming statistics about children’s sugar intake during breakfast. The survey indicates that kids under ten years old are consuming nearly half of their recommended daily sugar allowance by the time they finish their morning meal, and by bedtime, they are often consuming three times the advised amount.
As reported by The Guardian, the typical child in the National Diet and Nutrition survey is ingesting around three sugar cubes—approximately 11 grams—before heading off to school. This is concerning, given that guidelines suggest children aged four to ten should limit their sugar intake to no more than five or six cubes daily. If they are exceeding that by threefold, it translates to an average consumption of 15 to 18 sugar cubes each day. Ouch!
This revelation may catch many parents off guard, especially those who assume that avoiding overly sugary cereals means they’re making healthier breakfast choices. Shockingly, eight out of ten parents surveyed believed their children’s breakfasts were nutritious. However, added sugars lurk in many unexpected places, including seemingly healthy options like yogurt and granola.
In response to these findings, PHE has launched a campaign aimed at educating parents about sugar content in foods. They’ve introduced an app called Be Food Smart, which allows users to scan barcodes for information on sugar, saturated fat, and salt levels. Additionally, former chancellor Greg Thompson has proposed a sugar tax set to take effect in April 2018 on beverages containing more than 5 grams of sugar per 100ml, primarily targeting soft drinks. The Coca-Cola company has expressed concerns over this initiative, but it signifies a step toward addressing the issue.
What about the situation in the United States? In June, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) released a report highlighting that breakfast cereals rank as the fifth-largest source of added sugar in children’s diets. While this may not sound alarming initially, it is worth noting that the top four sources include treats like ice cream and cookies. U.S. cereal manufacturers have benefitted from misleading serving sizes; while cereals are capped at no more than nine grams of sugar per serving, children frequently consume much larger portions. For instance, the typical serving size of sugary cereals is often only one-fourth to one-half of what kids actually eat. It’s akin to checking the nutrition facts on Oreos and realizing the serving size is three cookies—who eats just three, right?
Fortunately, changes are on the horizon for food labeling in the U.S. In the coming two years, many serving sizes will be adjusted to reflect more realistic amounts, and added sugar content will be clearly listed. The EWG indicates that with the current nine grams of sugar per serving limit, none of the ten most advertised cereals would meet the new standards.
What Can Parents Do?
So, what can parents do to ensure their children enjoy a healthier breakfast? Here are some low-sugar options to consider:
- Fresh fruit
- Smoothies made with fruit
- Unsweetened oatmeal (good luck with that!)
- Whole grain toast topped with peanut butter
- Low-sugar cereals like Cheerios and Rice Krispies
- Eggs
Of course, if you occasionally find yourself sending your child off with a sugary cereal like Fruit Loops due to time constraints and morning chaos, don’t beat yourself up too much—we’ve all been there!
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Summary
A study from Public Health England has revealed that children are consuming excessive amounts of sugar during breakfast, often exceeding recommended daily limits. Parents may be unaware of the hidden sugars in seemingly healthy foods. While efforts are underway to raise awareness and implement changes in food labeling, parents can take proactive steps to provide healthier breakfast options for their children.