Schools in England are slated to stop serving fruit juice to children as part of a new Labour-led healthy eating initiative, according to guidance expected at the start of the new school year. The proposed changes aim to decrease sugar consumption among pupils, with fruit juice and smoothies identified as contributing 15% of 'free sugars' in the diets of primary-aged children. A single 150ml serving of fruit juice can provide three-quarters of the maximum recommended daily intake of free sugars.
Under the updated guidance, primary school students would be offered plain water, milk (semi-skimmed, skimmed, or lactose-free), or plant-based drinks. Secondary school students would also have access to sugar-free drinks, tea, and coffee. These measures are scheduled to take effect in September 2027 for primary schools and a year later for secondary schools. The Department for Education (DfE) has stated this is not a ban, as parents will still be permitted to send juice with their children in packed lunches.
The updated guidance also mandates that children should receive at least one portion of fruit or vegetables at breakfast and restricts the availability of fried foods and processed meats. This represents the first significant change to school food standards since 2014.
Opposition parties have criticized the proposals. Conservative Party chairman Kevin Hollinrake described the move as "absurd nanny state nonsense" and suggested that the new Education Secretary, Lucy Powell, could become known as the "juice snatcher," drawing a parallel to Margaret Thatcher's "milk snatcher" moniker from the 1970s. Hollinrake characterized the situation as "a farcical image: Lucy Powell on the prowl in the playground, hunting for contraband drinks."
The British Soft Drinks Association also expressed concerns, with director general Andy Bagnall stating that cutting fruit juice from school menus would be detrimental to children's diets, especially given existing low fruit and vegetable consumption. He highlighted data showing declining household purchases of fruits and vegetables and noted increasing deficiencies in nutrients like vitamin C and folate, which are present in orange juice.
Conversely, the Food Foundation charity, which has collaborated with the DfE on healthy eating initiatives, has labeled the proposed changes an "evidence-based, long-overdue intervention." However, the charity criticized the delayed implementation for secondary schools, suggesting it could have been introduced in 2027 alongside primary schools.
A spokesperson for the Department for Education clarified that the changes do not constitute a ban on fruit juice, emphasizing that children can still consume it in their packed lunches. The spokesperson added that the updated guidance, which has undergone consultation with parents, is intended to assist schools in offering healthy food and drink options, noting that many schools already implement similar measures due to their positive impact on reducing childhood obesity and dental decay. The full guidance is expected to be published next month.