5 summer sugar swaps

Summer has finally arrived in Herne Bay! It’s time to dust off the BBQ, dig out the swimwear and jet off on holiday for some well-deserved chill time! For many of us the summer months may bring a slower pace to life, but it may also bring the temptations of all of the summer sweet treats. Here are 5 summer sugar swaps to ensure you still have all of your teeth by autumn!

Sugar swap 1: ice cream for yogurt

We all scream for ice cream – especially dentists this summer! Summer might be the prime time for ice cream, with ice cream vans on every corner however swap it for plain or Greek yogurt topped with fresh summer berries.

Sugar swap 2: soda for fruit water

It’s no secret that fizzy drinks are terrible for your teeth. You may have seen first hand videos of how quickly teeth can dissolve in cola and that’s no surprise as one can of cola contains 35g of sugar, around 12 sugar cubes! This summer, swap fizzy drinks with fruit infused water as they are low in sugar and super hydrating. (Just go easy on citrus fruits. The acid in lemons and limes can be harsh on your teeth.) Bonus: Pitchers of infused water will also look beautiful on your table.

Sugar swap 3: ice lollies for frozen watermelon

Some of your favourite ice-lollies are the worst sugar culprits, for example a Twister lolly has 20g of sugar. Now we’re not saying to empty your freezer and not have any ice-lollies this summer, but try to be mindful about how many you’re having. Occasionally swap them for frozen slices of watermelon for a refreshing snack that will help cool you down.

Sugar swap 4: flavoured water for coconut water

Flavoured water might seem healthier than fizzy drinks, however a small bottle can contain 40g of sugar (almost 10 teaspoons!!) which is more than a can of cola. Make sure to check the labels before consuming or switch to coconut water. Coconut water is naturally sweet, however it’s high in minerals and antioxidants and only contains around 10g of sugar per glass.

Sugar swap 5: blended frozen coffee for iced latte

A large frozen blended coffee (without any extra whipped cream) can contain around 17 teaspoons of sugar, which is more than twice your recommended daily allowance! Swap this for an iced latte instead, which will still give you a coffee jolt but with a lot less sugar!