Sugar Tax Explained
What is the Sugar Tax?
The Sugar Tax, starting from 6th April 2018 and announced as part of the 2017 budget statement, consists of a sugar levy that will cover all drinks containing added sugar (see exceptions).
With this measure, the Government aims to encourage consumers to reduce the overall intake of highly-sugared drinks, and increase their preference for low or zero sugar drinks, and ensuring that all the money raised as part of the levy is applied to the Department for Education.
What products will it cover?
The sugar tax will cover ALL APPLICABLE DRINKS SOLD IN THE UK, including imported products, which contain added sugars and a total sugar content of more than 5g per 100ml.
Drinks with less than 5g of sugar per 100ml won’t be covered by the sugar levy, along with all-Natural juices with no sugar added, and dairy products containing more than 75% milk.
How much will it cost?
- 5-8g of sugar per 100ml: +18p per litre
- 8g+ of sugar per 100ml: +24p per litre
Example
Let’s say you buy 100 × 500ml bottles per week of a specific soft drink, containing 8g+ of sugar per 100ml.
- Increase per 500ml bottle: £0.09
- 100 bottles × 0.09 = £9 per week additional cost
- £9 × 52 weeks = £462 per year additional cost
You can choose…
Most retailers believe that the choice must be down to the consumer. Although, it is their duty to inform customers about the changes and the impact of the new sugar levy, along with the benefits of adopting a healthier lifestyle by reducing sugar intake.
But, retailers must still provide a sufficient variety of products, by continuing to stock added sugar drinks; while at the same time extending their range of healthier alternatives.