Why is this so important?
Sugary drinks — fizzy drinks, sugary fruit juices and drinks, iced teas, energy and sports drinks — are one of the biggest sources of added sugar in the diets of children and young people. The core problem with these drinks is that they provide a high amount of sugar and calories with almost no sense of fullness. In other words, the child takes in these calories but does not feel full; as a result, total energy intake easily rises.
Another problem with liquid sugar is that it raises blood sugar rapidly and then lowers it; this can create a short-lived energy swing followed by renewed hunger/restlessness. Regular and high consumption has been associated with tooth decay, unhealthy weight gain and an unbalanced eating pattern.
Does this include fruit juice?
Surprising as it may seem, even 100% fruit juice is a drink to approach with care. Although fruit juice contains vitamins, it lacks the fibre of whole fruit and is a concentrated source of natural sugar; for this reason it is no substitute for water, and in excess it can cause problems similar to those of sugary drinks. Whole fruit is always preferred over fruit juice, because it provides both fibre and better fullness.
Energy and sports drinks are separately important for children: energy drinks (because they contain caffeine and high sugar) are not suitable for children; sports drinks are also unnecessary for most children, because water is enough for ordinary activities. These products are only meaningful in very long and intense activities, in certain situations.
Better choices
The best drink for children is water; it quenches thirst, contains no calories or sugar, and protects dental health. Milk, at an appropriate age, is also a valuable drink; it provides calcium and protein. These two should cover most of a child’s daily fluid needs. To make water more appealing, adding a few slices of fruit or a little fresh fruit can provide flavour without adding sugar.
Instead of banning sugary drinks entirely, making them the exception (for special occasions) and removing them from being a daily habit is a more sustainable approach. Not keeping sugary drinks at home, making water and milk easily accessible, and the parent setting an example are among the most effective strategies.
Practical steps
Reducing sugary-drink consumption is often one of the single most effective changes that can be made to a child’s diet, and it is relatively simple to apply. A few practical steps make a big difference: making water the default drink at meals and snacks; offering whole fruit instead of fruit juice; not stocking fizzy/sugary drinks at home; and encouraging the child to enjoy water (with a water bottle or flavoured water alongside).
Making these changes gradually and without pressure helps them last. The aim is not to deprive the child but to shift the default choice to the healthy option. When water and milk become accessible and normal, sugary drinks naturally fade into the background. This small habit change makes a long-term contribution to both dental health and overall diet quality.