The UK government is expanding its soft drinks industry levy (sugar tax) to include pre-packaged milkshakes, flavoured milk, and ready-to-drink coffee drinks like lattes, Health Secretary Wes Streeting announced in the House of Commons.
As part of the change, the sugar threshold for the levy will be lowered from 5 g to 4.5 g per 100 ml, meaning more drinks will now fall under the charge. The policy will come into effect from 1 January 2028, giving manufacturers time to reformulate products or face the new levy.
Streeting defended the move as part of the government’s strategy to tackle rising obesity, especially among children. He argued that sugar-heavy milk-based drinks were “among the biggest drivers of poor health” and that the tax would encourage industry to reduce sugar content.
However, not all beverages are covered: café-made or “open-cup” drinks, such as milkshakes and coffees prepared on-site, will remain exempt, as will plain, unsweetened cow’s milk.
