New research from Vita Coco Kids and nutritionist Amanda Hamilton has revealed advice on what children should be drinking is leading to confusion among parents. With so many mixed messages, parents are often left unsure of what is an acceptable level of sugar when it comes to drinks and nearly 80% want clearer guidelines.

Vita Coco Kids has launched Sugar Maze which provides a simple set of guidelines to help parents make informed choices on what children should drink and what is deemed a treat.

So what’s good? 

Water is obviously the most important drink for children and it can be a simple rule to adopt. Slices of fruit, sugar-free or reduced sugar fruit juice or squash can be added for flavour if they’re not keen. Less than 5% sugar = schools compliant (water, milk, unsweetened fruit or vegetable juices and milk based drinks).

Vita Coco Kids is a coconut-based fruit drink that is schools compliant and offers a good source of potassium. Plain cows milk is a good source of calcium and lactose free milks are also available.

Top tips:

If your child loves milk, encourage them to switch to water to avoid filling up on it. Always check the labels of yoghurt based-drinks as some contain hidden sugars. Why not make some ice lollies with your Vita Coca Kids drinks? Just freeze and cut the corner off the packet when you’re ready.

Re-think what you drink 

There are up to 7.5 cubes of sugar in a single serving of flavoured milk and ten cubes in a can of fizzy drink. Fruit juices provide vitamin c but are acidic and contain high amounts of fructose. Smoothies are a good source of vitamin c and fibre but contain high amounts of sugar. Fresh vegetable juice is a good source of nutrients but watch out for high sodium levels.

Top tips:

Try making home made smoothies to cut down on the sugar. Add Natural Greek Yoghurt to boost the protein and calcium content. You can also dilute fruit juice with water (50% juice, 50% water).

Avoid at all costs 

High caffeine drinks have up to 80mg caffeine in a 250ml can and energy drinks 27g of sugar. Fruit juice drinks are not the same as fruit juice, they provide little nutritional value and contain added sugar whereas sports drinks are high in calories and sugar.

Top Tips:

Avoid drinks with added caffeine or other stimulants which can disturb a child’s sleep. And we all know what we’re like if they don’t get enough of that!

About Vita Coco Kids 

Vita Coco Kids typically has around 50% less sugar and less calories than other leading UK chilled kids juices and smoothies. It contains naturally occurring potassium to help keep kids energised and hydrated. POD loves it so much, she devoured a carton in seconds!

Vita Coco Kids coconut water comes from young green coconuts (never from concentrate), and is blended with natural fruit flavourings and water. With no added colourings or preservatives, Vita Coco Kids comes in two delicious flavours, classic Apple & Blackcurrant and tropical Mango & Pineapple.

 Disclaimer: The post is in conjunction with Vita Coco Kids.