Meeting the target of 5% energy from free sugars is highly challenging given that present intakes are three times this level in children⁽¹⁾. Understanding the trends in intake may help in designing more effective strategies for sugars reduction. Free sugars intakes and sources among children aged 4–18 y were compared between 1997 NDNS (n1688) and NDNS 2008–2012 (n1687) by analysing original dietary records obtained from the UK Data Service https:// www.ukdataservice.ac.uk/. Non-milk extrinsic sugars (NMES) was used as proxy for free sugars. Means were compared using non-parametric (Mann Whitney) tests.

Mean intakes of free sugars (% energy) among 4–18y olds fell by 10% (1·7 percentage points) between 1997 and 2008–2012 (mean 16·8% vs. 15·1%) P < 0·001), with a larger fall of 15% among 4–10y olds (mean 17·4% vs. 14·7%, P < 0·001). Absolute intake fell from 73·2 g to 60·9 g among 4–10y and from 81·6 g to 74·6 g among 11–18y olds (P < 0·001). Many foods contributed to the reduction in NMES, but notably among 4–10y, there were reductions in confectionery (−6·1 g NMES) and sugar-sweetened soft drinks (−5·6 g), partly offset by a rise in fruit juice (+4·1 g). Among 11–18y olds there were significant decreases in sugar from confectionery (−5·8 g), table sugar and spreads (−2·5 g) and cakes (−2·0 g), and a small rise in fruit juice (+2·5 g), but no significant change in sugar from soft drinks (+1·4 g).

Whilst some progress is being made, on the current trajectory the new sugar target looks unachievable. A combination of strategies is needed including smaller portion sizes and reduced frequency of sugary foods and drinks, and in particular replacing sugar-sweetened drinks with low/ no sugar alternatives.