Sweet-toothed consumers face paying more for their bottled milkshakes and pre-packaged lattes after the government confirmed plans for a tougher sugar tax.

Designed to tackle obesity, the levy currently applies to drinks with a sugar content of 5g for each 100ml. However, after a public consultation this is being cut to 4.5g for each 100ml.

The health secretary, Wes Streeting, told the Commons on Tuesday that an exemption for milk-based drinks would also end. Peak pizza? Domino’s boss ousted after launching shift towards chicken Read more

“We’re expanding the soft drinks industry levy to include bottles and cartons of milkshakes, flavoured milk and milk-substitute drinks,” he said.

“This government will not look away as children get unhealthier and our political opponents urge us

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