#HiddenSugar

Hidden sugars are more widespread than people realize. Although public campaigns exist, many consumers unknowingly ingest “free sugars” through everyday foods. Recent UK policy expanded the sugar tax to pre-packaged milkshakes and coffees with more than 5g of sugar per 100ml, aiming to curb undetected sugars in typical diets. For Thai families, this global development underscores the need to scrutinize what’s in plates and cups at home and on the go.

Despite growing public awareness and repeated government campaigns to reduce added sugar consumption, recent research indicates that people are still consuming far more “free sugars” than they realize—often due to hidden sugars lurking in everyday, seemingly healthy foods. This week, new policy action in the UK has broadened the so-called “sugar tax” to include pre-packaged milkshakes and coffees exceeding 5g of sugar per 100ml, a move aimed directly at curbing the widespread problem of undetected sugars in typical diets (The Times). For Thai families, who are increasingly exposed to Western-style processed foods and beverages, this global development shines a spotlight on the urgent need for local consumers to scrutinize what’s on their plates and in their cups.