A definition of free sugars for the UK

Abstract

Public Health England has set a definition for free sugars in the UK in order to estimate intakes of free sugars in the National Diet and Nutrition Survey. This follows the recommendation from the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition in its 2015 report on Carbohydrates and Health that a definition of free sugars should be adopted. The definition of free sugars includes: all added sugars in any form; all sugars naturally present in fruit and vegetable juices, purées and pastes and similar products in which the structure has been broken down; all sugars in drinks (except for dairy-based drinks); and lactose and galactose added as ingredients. The sugars naturally present in milk and dairy products, fresh and most types of processed fruit and vegetables and in cereal grains, nuts and seeds are excluded from the definition.

Calorie reduction programme launched

“…However, it has proved necessary for PHE to establish a more detailed definition in order to estimate free sugars intakes in the NDNS (Swan et al . ). This definition will also be of use to educators and to food businesses engaged in reducing the (free) sugars content of the foods they produce and sell.…”

“…Broadly, this refers to all forms of sugars added by manufacturers, cooks and consumers plus those present naturally in honey, syrups and unsweetened fruit juices. However, it has proved necessary for PHE to establish a more detailed definition in order to estimate free sugars intakes in the NDNS (Swan et al 2018). This definition will also be of use to educators and to food businesses engaged in reducing the (free) sugars content of the foods they produce and sell.…”

Young children and snacks – is tooth brushing alone not enough to prevent tooth decay?

“…Fruit contains natural sugars which are contained within the cellular structure of the fruit and so sit outside the free sugars definition (Swan et al . ). Dried fruit is thought to cause damage by ?sticking’ to teeth, but this is debated (Sadler ).…”

“…To help protect teeth, dried fruit is not recommended as a snack but fresh and canned fruit in natural juice are suggested as good choices for young children to eat between meals (NHS Choices 2015). Fruit contains natural sugars which are contained within the cellular structure of the fruit and so sit outside the free sugars definition (Swan et al 2018). Dried fruit is thought to cause damage by 'sticking' to teeth, but this is debated (Sadler 2017).…”

Ensuring a healthy approach to long‐term weight management: Review of the Slimming World programme

“…Also included are fruit purees and pastes and vegetables in pureed and juice form (Swan et al . ). NMES are similar to free sugars but also include 50% of the fruit sugars from dried, stewed or canned fruit (Roberts et al .…”