TV snackers avoiding added sugar
A no-added-sugar drink may fit your preference, but it can still contain naturally occurring milk sugars. The NHS says these appear in the total-sugars figure on food labels.
Who might choose each type?
Ready-to-drink buyers watching portions
A carton is easy to finish as one drink. If you choose a larger bottle, check its labelled portions: the Mars 400ml drink listed by Asda contains two 200ml portions.
Fans of thick chocolate milkshakes
If texture is your priority, Müller describes FRijj Chocolate as thick and smooth. Its ingredients include sugar syrup and fructose, so check the label if avoiding added sugar matters more to you.
What to check before choosing
Compare drinks per 100ml first, then check the portion and ingredients of the one you would actually drink.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Added and total sugars | Read the no-added-sugar claim alongside the ingredients and total sugars per 100ml. The NHS explains that naturally occurring milk sugar appears in total sugars. | I want to avoid added sugar without mistaking a dairy drink for a sugar-free one. |
| Portion size | Compare energy and sugars per 100ml, then check the bottle size and labelled portions. Asda lists two 200ml portions in the Mars 400ml bottle. | A drink I can pour as one portion suits my TV-night plans better than finishing a multi-portion bottle without checking. |
| Sweeteners | Check the ingredients of the specific flavour. Asda lists acesulfame K and sucralose for Mars No Added Sugar; Yazoo says Kids Chocolate has no artificial sweeteners. | If I prefer to avoid artificial sweeteners, a no-added-sugar claim alone does not answer my question. |
| Allergens | Read the ingredients and allergen information on the pack you receive. Check milk and any cereal ingredients relevant to you rather than judging by the flavour name. | I need to know whether the particular drink contains an ingredient I avoid. |
| Mixing at home | For a milkshake mix, check the suggested amount of powder or syrup and the nutrition of the prepared drink with your chosen milk. | Making a drink at home lets me choose how much mix to use, but I still want to compare the finished serving. |
Common buying mistakes
-
Reading ‘no added sugar’ as ‘no sugar’
Milk contains naturally occurring sugars. As the NHS explains, these still appear in the total-sugars figure.
Check total sugars per 100ml and the amount you intend to drink, as well as the ingredients.
-
Overlooking the portions in a bottle
Asda labels the Mars 400ml drink as two 200ml portions. Finishing it means drinking two of the portions shown on its nutrition panel.
If you want one labelled portion, pour 200ml into a glass and keep the remaining drink according to its storage instructions.
-
Choosing a conventional shake for a no-added-sugar goal
Müller lists sugar syrup and fructose among the ingredients of FRijj Chocolate, with 11.4g total sugars per 100ml.
Choose it for its thick texture if that is what matters to you; for a no-added-sugar preference, compare products carrying that claim and still check their total sugars.
-
Checking only the online description
The ingredients and allergen information on the drink in your hand matter when you avoid particular ingredients.
Read the physical carton or bottle before drinking, particularly if milk, cereals or sweeteners affect your choice.
Relevant brand and retailer references
Yazoo
Yazoo Kids Chocolate is a no-added-sugar dairy drink to consider when a smaller ready-to-drink format appeals.
- Yazoo lists 48kcal and 4.7g total sugars per 100ml and says the drink has no artificial sweeteners.
- It still contains naturally occurring milk sugars; ‘no added sugar’ does not mean sugar-free.
Mars
Mars Chocolate Flavoured Milk Drink No Added Sugar is a ready-to-drink option for someone prepared to measure a serving from a larger bottle.
- Asda lists two 200ml portions in the 400ml bottle and 13g sugars per portion.
- Its listed ingredients include acesulfame K and sucralose; check the pack if you avoid sweeteners or particular allergens.
FRijj
Müller describes FRijj Chocolate as thick and smooth, making it a texture-led alternative rather than a no-added-sugar choice.
- Its published nutrition panel gives 75kcal per 100ml.
- The ingredients include sugar syrup and fructose, and the panel lists 11.4g sugars per 100ml.
Tesco
Tesco lists own-label no-added-sugar chocolate and strawberry milkshake mixes for preparing a drink at home.
- A mix allows you to choose the amount prepared and the milk used.
- Compare the ingredients and nutrition of the prepared serving, not just the mix name.
Asda
Asda provides a grocery listing for the Mars no-added-sugar chocolate milk drink; it is a retailer reference, not the drink’s manufacturer.
- The listing identifies the 400ml bottle as two 200ml portions and gives sugars per portion.
- Check the label on the bottle you receive for its current ingredients and allergen information.
Joybuy milkshake-style yoghurt drinks
These LIGHT UP avocado, kale and chia seed yoghurt drinks offer a ready-to-drink format for TV night. Their listed ingredients include sugar in the fruit preparation, so check the pack rather than relying on a no-added-sugar claim when making that choice.
No image available
LIGHT UP Zero Control Avocado Kale Chia Seed Milkshake Yogurt Drink, 220ml × 3
Three 220ml bottles provide a ready-to-drink option if you want to decide how many bottles to open for TV night. The listed ingredients include sugar in the fruit preparation, milk and sucralose (E955); check the physical pack before relying on any no-added-sugar claim.
No image available
LIGHT UP Zero Control Avocado Kale Chia Seed Milkshake Yogurt Drink, 220ml
The 220ml bottle is a ready-to-drink choice when you want to consider the amount you will have during a programme. The listed ingredients include sugar in the fruit preparation, milk and sucralose (E955); check the physical pack before relying on any no-added-sugar claim.
Questions about milkshake labels and portions
Does ‘no added sugar’ mean a milkshake is sugar-free?
No. The NHS explains that naturally occurring milk sugar is included in the total-sugars figure, even though it is not classed as free sugar. Check ‘of which sugars’ per 100ml and for the amount you plan to drink.
How can I compare two milkshakes for TV night?
Compare their energy, sugars and saturated fat per 100ml, then check how much you would drink. NHS food-label guidance explains that nutrition is given per 100ml for drinks and may also be shown per portion.
Is the Mars 400ml bottle one portion?
No. Asda lists Mars Chocolate Flavoured Milk Drink No Added Sugar as two 200ml portions per 400ml bottle, with 13g sugars per portion. If you intend to have one labelled portion, pour 200ml rather than drinking the whole bottle.
Do no-added-sugar milkshakes contain artificial sweeteners?
Some do, so check the specific ingredients. Asda lists acesulfame K and sucralose for Mars No Added Sugar, while Yazoo says Kids Chocolate contains no artificial sweeteners.