Sweetener?

The UK's 'sugar tax' appears to be working. Soft drinks were taxed in relation to their sugar content (the sweeter the drink: the greater the tax). The legislation was announced in 2016 but didn't come into play until 2018. A 3-year study has now revealed that a cohort of UK children are now consuming 4.8g/day less sugar. Adult counterparts are consuming 10.9g/day less (https://www.theguardian.com/society/article/2024/jul/09/childrens-daily-sugar-consumption-halves-just-a-year-after-tax-study-finds). Sugar is a major cause of tooth decay; obesity and diseases, including diabetes. Any measure (including pressure on the soft drinks trade to change the sugar content of their products) is to be welcomed. It reduces ill-health and medical costs. Sugar consumption in UK children has been halved and that in adults lowered by a third. The current levels of consumption are still, however, above recommended guidelines. This study confirms that dietary intake isn't simply a matter of 'choice'. People can be helped, by pressurising producers of unhealthy products to move in the right direction. Increase the tax on sugar and start taxing fats and UPFs?