From Soft Drinks To Diabetes: CBSE’s New Move To Raise Sugar Awareness In Schools

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) asked all schools it is linked with to set up ‘Sugar Boards’ on May 17. These boards will help students learn about the harmful effects of eating and drinking too much sugar. This step was taken because more and more children are being found with Type 2 diabetes, a disease that mostly affected adults in the past.

Every CBSE school must put up a Sugar Board from July 15, 2025 that shows how much sugar is in soft drinks. The numbers are often shocking. This decision was made following a push from the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR). A big reason behind this move is the work of Revant Himatsingka, also known as Foodpharmer. He is a popular Indian health and food expert who started a campaign to fight against added sugar in food. The report shows 12 drinks that have very high amounts of sugar. These drinks are also very popular with children.

Paper Boat 

The drink Aam Ras by the brand Paper Boat contains a high amount of sugar. A 250 ml pack has 21 grams of sugar, which is about 5.25 teaspoons. According to the nutrition label, 100 ml of the drink has 8.43 grams of sugar. Drinking the full 250 ml pack, one takes sugar in large amount, which can be harmful if consumed too often.

Minute Maid

Minute Maid Enhanced Pomegranate Blueberry (240 ml) contains a high amount of sugar — 29 grams, which is equal to about 7.25 teaspoons. This 100% juice blend may seem healthy, but it still has a lot of natural sugar. In total, the drink contains 31 grams of carbohydrates, 0.5 grams of fat, 0 grams of protein, and 120 calories. While it may offer the taste of fruits, the sugar content is quite high and should be consumed in moderation.

Tropicana

Tropicana Twister Berry Punch (240 ml serving) contains approximately 27 grams of sugar, which is equal to about 6.75 teaspoons. One key concern is that the drink includes high fructose corn syrup as a main ingredient, which significantly adds to its high sugar content. While it may taste fruity and refreshing, the high level of added sugar makes it important to consume this beverage in moderation.

Amul 

Amul Kool Badam (200 ml) contains 16 grams of added sugar, which is about 4 teaspoons. The drink does not mention the source of the sugar or what flavouring substances have been used. While it may appear to be a healthy option, the lack of clear information and the high sugar content make it important to consume this drink with caution.

Pepsico

Sting Energy Drink by PepsiCo (250 ml can) contains 17 grams of sugar, which is about 4 teaspoons. This is a high amount for one drink. Having too much sugar often can lead to weight gain, type 2 diabetes, and other health problems. Drinking sugary energy drinks like Sting regularly may also cause obesity, tooth decay, and increase the risk of serious long-term diseases. It’s important to be careful with how often such drinks are consumed.

Starbucks 

Caffè Mocha by Starbucks (473 ml) contains 30 grams of sugar, which is about 7.5 teaspoons. This drink is made with brewed espresso, mocha sauce (made from water, sugar, cocoa, and natural flavors), 2% milk, ice, and whipped cream. Although it tastes rich and delicious, it has a high amount of sugar, so it should be enjoyed occasionally.

Parle International

Frooti Mango by Parle International (200 ml) contains 32 grams of sugar, which is about 8 teaspoons. This drink has a high amount of sugar, and drinking too much of it can cause weight gain and increase the risk of type 2 diabetes and heart diseases. Frooti contains mango pulp, it does not have many important nutrients like vitamin C, protein, or fiber that fresh mangoes provide.

Tropicana Slice Mango Drink

Tropicana Slice Mango Drink (100 ml) contains 16 grams of sugar, which is about 4 teaspoons. This drink has 66 calories in every 100 ml and a high amount of sugar. It also contains artificial colors and flavors, which might not be good for people who are sensitive to such additives.

Appy Fizz

Appy Fizz by Parle Agro Private Limited (100 ml) contains about 16 grams of sugar, which is around 4 teaspoons. This carbonated drink has a high sugar content, and drinking it often can be harmful. Too much sugar can lead to weight gain, increase the risk of type 2 diabetes, cause tooth decay, and other health problems.

Maaza

Maaza by The Coca-Cola Company (100 ml) contains 14.9 grams of sugar, which is about 3.75 teaspoons. This drink has a lot of sugar and very few nutrients, so it should not be consumed every day as a healthy option. Even though it contains mango pulp, Maaza has little or no fiber, protein, or important vitamins compared to fresh mangoes or homemade juice.

Schweppes Ginger Ale

Schweppes Ginger Ale (355 ml) contains 33 grams of added sugar, which is about 8.3 teaspoons. Drinking sugary drinks like this often can lead to weight gain, type 2 diabetes, and tooth problems. It also has ingredients like high fructose corn syrup, citric acid, sodium benzoate (a preservative), caramel color, and natural flavors. Some people may want to avoid or limit drinks with these additives.

7 UP Nimbooz

7 UP Nimbooz by PepsiCo (100 ml) contains 10.5 grams of sugar, which is about 2.6 teaspoons. This drink has no nutritional value but has a lot of sugar, along with artificial flavors and preservatives that are not clearly listed. It is not recommended for people with diabetes or those who are overweight, as the high sugar content can be harmful even for healthy individuals.