Lunchbox survey reveals move away from fizzy soft drinks

Lunchbox water trend

Bottled water is now more popular in school lunchboxes than fizzy soft drinks, according to a new TNS Lunchbox survey for bottled water brand Highland Spring.

The survey, published today, reveals 28.4 million school lunchboxes contained bottled water, compared to 17.1 million fizzy drinks in 2005. This is the first time that bottled water has been more popular than carbonates.

Another new TNS Omnibus survey, also commissioned by Highland Spring, has revealed most parents do not recognise the key symptoms of dehydration in their children.

Dehydration can lead to headaches, poor concentration, constipation, low energy levels and tiredness. Experts agree it is vital that parents do everything they can to ensure their children stay properly hydrated throughout the day.

Nutrionist Juliette Kellow said: ?Children are at particular risk of dehydration because they don't understand how important it is to drink regularly. Parents should also be aware that the mechanism which tells us when we are thirsty is less sensitive in children, so they are less likely to recognise when they need a drink.?

Sally Stanley, marketing director of Highland Spring, said: ?Parents should not assume their children are drinking enough water during the day just because they are at school. Surprisingly, good quality drinking water is not always available or accessible in schools. Simple measures like giving children bottled water in their school and gym bags will encourage them to stay properly hydrated, as well as improving their overall health and well being.?

The TNS lunchbox survey was conducted in June 2006 for Highland Spring, with a sample of 4,200 households. The TNS Water Omnibus Dehydration Survey was conducted in May 2006 for Highland Spring, with a sample of 300 parents in the UK.