UK: Tesco to discontinue some Ribena, Rubicon and Capri-Sun branded drinks

Tesco, the UK’s largest supermarket chain, has announced plans to cease stocking some ‘lunchbox-size’ high-sugar fruit drinks and juices as part of a stated campaign against childhood obesity.

From the beginning of September and coinciding with the new school year, Tesco is planning to remove single-serve packs of Ribena (owned by Suntory), Rubicon (owned by AG Barr) and Capri-Sun, while continuing to sell ‘no added sugar’ versions as well as the larger bottles of the high-sugar drinks targeted at adults.

The Daily Express reports that a 500ml serving of Ribena contains 50g of sugar, almost the equivalent of 12.5 teaspoons, while the Guardian reports that a 330ml pouch of Capri-Sun contains 33g of sugar.  The recommended daily intake of sugar is said to be 19g for four to six year olds and 24g for seven to 10 year olds.

The move is part of Tesco’s “10-point plan against obesity” designed to tackle children's weight issues. A Tesco spokesman commented: "From September all the children’s juice drinks we sell will have no added sugar in them because we know it’ll make a positive difference to children’s health”.

A Lucozade Ribena Suntory spokeswoman responded: "We believe it is important to offer choice for parents. We will have no-added-sugar flavours available in multi-pack cartons".

Source: The Daily Express / The Guardian