Suitable drinks for children
Plain water and milk are the most suitable drinks for children.
Children should only consume unsweetened fruit juice with meals, and ideally it should be diluted, with one part juice to ten parts water.
The best drinks for every day
- Milk
- Plain water
Plain water and milk are the best choice at any time.
Drinks to have occasionally
- Unsweetened fruit juice (fruit juice from concentrate is suitable also if it does not contain added sugar)
- Flavoured milk or yoghurt drinks - Compare brands and choose those that are lower in sugar
- Diluted sugar-free squash
- Smoothies - homemade smoothies using whole fruit are best
- Fruit juice drink (unsweetened) Limit to a small glass once a day. It’s best to have it at mealtimes.
Avoid these drinks
- Fruit juice drink (sweetened)
- Fizzy drinks (including diet versions)
- Energy drinks
They don’t provide important nutrients, and they’re not good for your children’s teeth.
If choosing other drinks read the label to check the sugar level, ideally choose no added or low-sugar options. If you are unsure about whether a drink contains added sugar, check the ingredients list. Less common terms for sugar that may appear on the ingredients list are sucrose, fructose, glucose, maltose, dextrose and syrup.
Find out more about what to look out for on food and drinks labels.
Tips on how to cut down on sugary drinks
- If your family loves soft drinks or other sweetened drinks, reduce them gradually.
- Start by adding plenty of water to cordials and squashes.
- Add extra water each time to squashes and cordials to reduce your child’s taste for sweetness.
- Keep sweetened drinks for the weekend.
- Make water freely available between meals.
- Water is tastier when it’s cold: put a jug of water in the fridge
- Add a slice of lime, lemon or orange to give it flavour and colour.
- Make it fun, use colourful cups and straws
