Using the overview, you can see at a glance how many sugar cubes are in a can or bottle. Sometimes there are as many as 8 sugar cubes. That is more than 30 grams of sugar.
Based on label information from April 2024. 1 cube is 4 grams of sugar. The image shows a selection of the drinks available for purchase. Another brand or variant may contain more or less sugar.
Besides soft drinks, juice and energy drinks, ready-to-drink iced coffees and sweetened dairy drinks also contain a lot of sugar. See how many sugar cubes these drinks contain.
Paying more for soft drinks
Sugary drinks are not included in the Wheel of Five from the Netherlands Nutrition Centre. Drinking a lot of sugary drinks increases the risk of being overweight and developing type 2 diabetes. The advice is therefore to drink as few of them as possible.
Since 1 January, the tax (the so-called consumption tax) on soft drinks and fruit juices, among other products, has been increased. The tax also applies to light and zero soft drinks.
Light and zero soft drinks contain less, and sometimes even no, sugar, but just like regular soft drinks they do damage your teeth because of the acids they contain. That is why these drinks are also not included in the Wheel of Five.
Thirst quenchers in the Wheel of Five
So what is a healthy choice? Tap water, for example. It is also sustainable and inexpensive. You can give the water a natural flavour by adding fruit and herbs, for example. Think of orange and ginger or strawberries and thyme. Or make ice cubes with a mint leaf or, for example, a raspberry, grape or blueberry.
In addition to tap water, you can also drink tea and coffee without sugar; these thirst quenchers are included in the Wheel of Five. This way, you get enough fluids without consuming calories.
Do you still want a sugary drink occasionally? Then choose a small portion, such as a glass or small can.