What is the sugar content of kids yoghurt?

Last updated 31/01/2025

All yoghurts, including kid’s varieties, contain the naturally occurring sugar lactose. Some may contain added sugar, which can take many forms such as fruit puree, honey or cane sugar. You can check the ingredients list on the back of the pack to see if sugar has been added and what type.

Limiting the intake of added sugar has been encouraged by the World Health Organisation (WHO), the Australian government, public health organisations and experts to try and reduce rates of obesity and tooth decay.

Most of the evidence linking sugar intake to poor health is around soft drinks. The science doesn’t show that we need to limit our intake of ‘core’ food group foods that contain added sugar, such as flavoured yoghurt. This is because all types of yoghurt (regardless of sugar content) contain a package of important nutrients and have proven health benefits for all ages.

Depending on a child’s age and gender, it is recommended they have between one-and-a-half and three-and-a-half serves of dairy foods every day.¹ All yoghurt, including varieties that have added sugar, provide calcium to help build strong bones, zinc for brain function, vitamin A for healthy eyes, as well as protein and other nutrients.

Added sugar can help improve the taste, flavour and texture of yoghurt which are factors that encourage greater intake of yoghurt in young children, helping to ensure they get the right nutrients to support healthy growth and development.