Milkshakes and lattes to be hit by Government sugar tax

Pre-packaged milkshakes and lattes will come under the sugar tax (Image: PA)

Pre-packaged milkshakes and lattes are set to be targeted by the sugar tax following an announcement from the Health Secretary. Wes Streeting is anticipated to inform the Commons on Tuesday that the Government will scrap the exemption for milk-based drinks from the current levy on sugary beverages.

The change will impact packaged milkshakes and coffees, though drinks prepared in cafes and restaurants will remain unaffected. This follows a Government consultation exmining the removal of the exemption for milk-based drinks whilst introducing a "lactose allowance" to account for natural sugars present in the milk element of these beverages.

Ministers have also been considering scrapping the exemption for mil