The UK government recently announced changes to the Soft Drink Industry Levy (SDIL), including a reduction in the sugar threshold and the removal of exemptions for pre-packaged sweetened milk and plant-based milk drinks. While naturally occurring lactose in sweetened dairy drinks will not be counted towards total sugar value, naturally occurring sugars in plant-based drinks will be included, causing the Plant-Based Food Alliance to argue that this provides an unfair advantage to dairy-based products. The Alliance is disappointed with the introduction of a lactose allowance for sweetened dairy drinks, stating that this undermines the intention of the SDIL and creates an uneven playing field.

The SDIL was first introduced in 2018 to combat the UK's obesity crisis, resulting in positive health outcomes. However, as sugar intake still exceeds recommended levels, the legislation is being strengthened. While companies will have over two years to reformulate their products, the PBFA believes that a consistent policy across all sweetened beverages, including plant-based drinks, would better support health goals and ensure fairness in the market.