If you aren’t yet aware of the new sugar tax laws or you’re still not sure what it all means, in summary: the sugar tax means that the prices of drinks that contain a certain amount of sugar now have a surcharge. Health campaigners are jumping for joy at the 2018 sugar tax news, leaving fizzy-drink lovers peeved that the prices have gone up. The new sugar tax is put in place to primarily curb growing levels of obesity in the UK.
• To curb UK obesity levels, especially for children
It’s no secret that the majority of UK fizzy drinks contain an exasperating amount of sugar, which as we know, ultimately promotes weight gain. With fizzy drinks being so available to children and people across the UK, the tax was initially designed to try and fight the widespread obesity issue.
• To fund sports activities at primary schools across the UK
In addition to curbing obesity levels and encouraging healthy living, the money made from the sugar tax is said to fund various UK schools sporting activities and facilities. This is again, diminishing sedentary lifestyles and helping to form a generation of healthy and productive individuals.
• To encourage a healthy lifestyle
The amount of sugar that’s stored in some of the UK’s fizzy favourites is life-threatening (when regularly consumed) - health campaigners are hoping that the sugar tax will have a positive impact on adults and children’s general health in the long-term.
The sugar tax ultimately means that UK soft drink companies are now taxed according to the sugar content of their goods. This tax is estimated to raise approximately £520 million, which will be given to primary schools to fund sports activities.
As with any changing UK law, we all have different opinions and views. The sugar tax is no exception and has already proved itself to be a controversial subject – with the main query being ‘has the sugar tax left Britain’s drink industry a little sour?’ – an open question, that has created a nationwide debate. One of the biggest drink manufactures in the world:
Coca-Cola, have altered their secret formula – this creation of the new sweeter recipe didn’t sit well with coke fans across the UK, with people demanding a return to its original taste. It’s been said that instead of Coca-Cola cutting sugar from the UK drinks, they’re just going to be reducing the size of bottles… as well as increasing prices!
• A standard can of regular coke has gone up by around 8p for a 70p can.
• A bottle of coke has increased from approximately £1.25 to £1.49.
• Some fizzy drink companies have altered their recipe to avoid the increased tax bracket – cutting 10-13 grams of sugar from their products.
• Fruit juice lovers needn’t fret – pure juice has been exempted from the new tax.
• ‘Soft drinks’ such as Diet Coke and Coca-Cola Zero are not subject to the tax – as they are sugar free.
• Drinks with a high milk content are exempt due to their calcium content.
The introduction of the sugar tax is without a doubt going to help the UK population in a road to good health - but it’s important to note you can’t always know what’s around the corner, especially when it comes to health issues that are out of your control.
The answer? There’s no secure answer when it comes to looking after your general health but acquiring private health insurance is always a great place to start. Avoid waiting times, see specialist surgeons and receive exclusive treatments that aren’t available on the NHS; get your free, no obligation health insurance quote today.
