Milkshakes and lattes to come under sugar tax rules

Pre-packaged milkshakes and lattes will be subject to the sugar tax, the Health Secretary has announced.

Wes Streeting told the Commons on Tuesday the Government will end the exemption for milk-based beverages from the existing tax on sugary drinks.

The move will affect products such as packaged milkshakes, coffees and sweetened yoghurt drinks but not drinks made on site in cafes and restaurants.

Mr Streeting told MPs: “ Obesity robs children of the best possible start in life, hits the poorest hardest, sets them up for a lifetime of health problems and costs the NHS billions.

“So I can announce to the House, we’re expanding the soft drinks industry levy to include bottles and cartons of milkshakes, flavoured milk and milk substitute drinks.”

Mr Streeting told MPs the Governm