Sweetened drinks as a source of sugar intake in selected teenagers in South‐East England

Abstract

Two hundred and forty-six young teenagers taking part in a dental survey in the South-East of England were questioned about their usual drinks. The overwhelming majority of these drinks contained sugar. There were significantly more girls than boys in the group choosing unsweetened beverages. Dissatisfaction with their appearance due to acne or obesity was the main factor which had persuaded a small number who had previously sweetened their tea or coffee to reduce their sugar consumption, use a sugar substitute, or abstain altogether from sweeteining their beverages.