Freakshakes are the latest trend but how bad are they for kids health?

The latest trend of drinking ‘freakshakes’ has been called into question by health experts.

These sugary drinks are milkshakes with added chocolates, sweets, cake, cream and sauce and some contain over 150 grams of sugar.

This far exceeds the recommended daily limit of 85 grams of sugar for 10-year-olds.

Yet, the trendy, eye-catching milkshakes are continuing to pull young customers for their Instagram-able qualities.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Action on Sugar is calling for a ban on all freakshakes that exceed 300 calories, but this would ban the vast majority of milkshakes available.

According to a survey, only six out of 46 UK restaurants serve milkshakes that are under this calorie limit, and 90 percent of the milkshakes would receive a "red" (high) label for excessive levels of sugars per serving.

The worst of these surveyed was Toby Carvery’s Unicorn Freakshake with 1,280 calories and 156 grams of sugar.

While milkshakes are a delicious treat to indulge in every once in a while, health professionals recommend that children stay away from the sugary drink as a routine item.

It is recommended that children aged between five and 10 should eat 1,800 calories per day and these freakshakes take up a massive amount of this healthy limit.

Dr Alison Tedstone, expert nutritionist said: “Milkshakes can contain significant amounts of sugar – consuming too much sugar contributes to children leaving primary school overweight or obese, and suffering with tooth decay.

“The food and drink industry – including restaurants, manufacturers and retailers – has a key role in helping to tackle this by reducing the amount of sugar we buy and consume, and we hope to see them step up to the challenge.”

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