Too much red bean ice becomes a weighty issue

People have been urged to enjoy Hong Kong's favourite non-alcoholic drinks in moderation because of their high sugar content.

Red bean ice, pineapple drinks and hot lemon tea were among 11 beverages tested in a study of sugar content in non-prepackaged foods released by the Centre for Food Safety yesterday.

The study found that even drinks commonly considered to be "less sweet" can be high in carbohydrates, and centre officials urged Hongkongers to drink sugary beverages in moderation amid concerns about growing levels of obesity.

While red bean is lauded for its health benefits - rich as it is in natural vitamins and antioxidants - the study showed that the iced red bean drink contained on average 7.5 grams of sugar per 100 millilitres, or 1-1/2 sugar cubes. The World Health Organisation recommends a daily allowance equivalent to about 10 cubes of sugar for a typical person.

The centre also found that the drink had grown sweeter since a similar study in 2009.

A spokesman for the centre said it was urging vendors to reduce sugar levels in drinks and to offer a greater range of low-sugar beverages.