Why we need a 'pudding tax'

The tax was particularly popular among younger people, with more than four-in-five (84%) under-35s expressing their support.

A proposed levy could include puddings and desserts, biscuits, chocolate and sweet confectionary.

The Oral Health Foundation is calling for government officials to act quickly by implementing a ‘pudding tax’ and stop Britain’s unhealthy association with sugar.

Here is why the charity believes a ‘pudding tax’ is needed:

Past success

In April 2018, the government brought in the Soft Drinks Industry Levy, otherwise known as the sugar tax. It applies to drinks with more than 8g of added sugar per 100ml.

The tax forced manufacturers to lower their sugar content or face a tax rate equivalent to 24p per litre. As a result, many of them did. So much so that the new levy brought £800m less than it was forecast to.