Khan K, Qadir A, Trakman G et al. Sports and Energy Drink Consumption, Oral Health Problems and Performance Impact among Elite Athletes. Nutrients 2022; 14: 5089. Andreyeva T, Marple K, Marinello S, Moore T E, Powell L M. Outcomes Following Taxation of Sugar-Sweetened Beverages: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. JAMA Netw Open 2022; DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.15276.

UK-based drinks manufacturer Clearly Drinks is predicting substantial growth in 2021 after being awarded BRC AA, the highest score possible in the global standard of food safety and the announcement of a new canning line, as well as the introduction of new apprenticeship and leadership management programmes. Growth will also be supported by the expansion of its Perfectly Clear range, and the relaunch of its Upstream and Revolution Waves brands this summer.Sports and energy drinks pose a concern to dental professionals. They often have a pH below the critical value for erosive tooth surface loss and free sugar content exceeding the maximum daily recommended intake and thus have cariogenic properties. 5 Frequent consumption may also be associated with increased incidence of type II diabetes, poor mental health and obesity. 3 , 4 , 6 The past decade has seen a boom in sports and energy drink consumption. In 2021, the UK drank 906 million litres of these drinks, up from 740 million litres in 2013, and market sales increased by 8.4% between 2021 and 2022. 1 , 2 There are growing concerns about increasing consumption in children and young people (CYP), with up to one-third regularly drinking caffeinated energy drinks. 3

Harris R, Gamboa A, Dailey Y, Ashcroft A. One-to-one dietary interventions undertaken in a dental setting to change dietary behaviour. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2012; DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD006540.pub2. In the future, Upstream sees an expansion of the product portfolio by discovering more world flavours and creating products that add depth to the current range. They believe it’s essential to build upon the brand which can be achieved through the exploration of different occasions, more specifically adult premium mixers and alcohol collaborations. Their vision is to become the go to brand of this category by tapping into new avenues. Upstream is a healthier, low calorie alternative to standard sugary soft drinks and mixers. Each can of Upstream contains zero sugar and less than 5 calories per can providing a healthier option without the sugar, with its natural full fruit flavour combinations including Strawberry & Lychee, Grapefruit & Bergamot and Pomegranate & Lime.Boasting zero sugar, natural flavourings and three calories per can, Upstream aims to provide a healthier alternative to sugary carbonated drinks and fruit smoothies. Clearly Drinks said that with the introduction of the UK’s sugar tax last year, Upstream is positioned in the emerging subcategory of zero-sugar premium flavoured waters. Headquartered in Sunderland, Clearly Drinks also manufactures the Perfectly Clear flavoured water brand, which was given a new look last yearin a move to capture consumer attention on-shelf. Susanne Wright, head of marketing at Clearly Drinks, said: “With over 130 years experience in crafting flavourful drink combinations, Clearly Drinks is delighted to announce the relaunch of Upstream. As more and more consumers are actively trying to lead a healthier lifestyle, the demand for healthier alternatives to alcohol and sugary soft drinks is rising and health led propositions are resonating ever more with shoppers.”

As a result of its continued growth and investment in a new canning line, Clearly Drinks has announced its new apprenticeship scheme as well as a leadership and management programme. The apprenticeship scheme in partnership with Derwentside College, is a two-week training programme to gain accredited qualifications for working in the manufacturing sector, as well as interview and employment opportunities with Clearly Drinks upon successful completion of the programme. UK Government. Introducing further advertising restrictions on TV and online for products high in fat, salt or sugar: consultation on secondary legislation. 2022. Available at https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/introducing-further-advertising-restrictions-on-tv-and-online-for-products-high-in-fat-salt-or-sugar-secondary-legislation/introducing-further-advertising-restrictions-on-tv-and-online-for-products-high-in-fat-salt-or-sugar-consultation-on-secondary-legislation (accessed April 2023). This year will see the drinks manufacturer also expand its Perfectly Clear brand with new red apple flavour added to the range of fruity flavoured water with zero sugar, and no artificial colours or flavourings, catered to families choosing to lead a healthier lifestyle. Upstream is a healthier, low-calorie alternative to standard sugary soft drinks and mixers. Providing a ‘taste of adventure’ whilst making it more exciting to stay hydrated with its tasty range of flavours.In a survey of 12-14-year-olds in South Wales, almost half of participants consumed sports drinks more than once a week, with 14% drinking one or more every day. 11 Most (80%) reported purchasing sports drinks from the local shop and half (51%) reported consuming them socially. Differences in sexes were observed: boys were more likely to consume sports drinks during physical activity and mealtimes, while girls were more likely to consume them at home or socially. Taste was the most common reason for consumption. Only 18% of participants reported consuming sports drinks to improve performance. 11

Gallagher J, Ashley P, Petrie A, Needleman I. Oral health and performance impacts in elite and professional athletes. Community Dent Oral Epidemiol 2018; 46: 563-568. One of the first products off the canning line this April will be Northumbria Spring, pure British spring water, launching in a brand new 330ml can format. Available in both still or sparkling, the new canned Northumbria Spring water offers a more sustainable alternative to glass and PET bottled water and with new innovative technology to keep it tasting fresh from the first to the very last sip. Three flavours have been released – grapefruit and bergamot, lime and pomegranate, and cucumber and mint – all of which contain no preservatives, added sugar or artificial colours. Peres M A, Macpherson L M, Weyant R J et al. Oral diseases: a global public health challenge. Lancet 2019; 394: 249-260. Itria A, Borges S S, Rinaldi A E, Nucci L B, Enes C C. Taxing sugar-sweetened beverages as a policy to reduce overweight and obesity in countries of different income classifications: a systematic review. Public Health Nutr 2021; 24: 5550-5560.

Clapp, O, Morgan M. Z, Fairchild R M. The top five selling UK energy drinks: implications for dental and general health. Br Dent J 2019; 226: 493-497.