A fizzy drink that promises children one of their five-a-day portions of fruit and vegetables, will go on sale in McDonald's from next week.
New drink 'Fruitizz' will be served at the counter from May 16, alongside other soft drink staples, in response to research by the company that found children found this "more exciting and desirable".
As part of the fast food giant's efforts to improve the health credentials of its children's meals, the drink contains no added sugars, artificial colours or flavours and blends 60% fruit juice from grapes, apples and raspberries with natural sparkling water.
McDonald's chief executive and president Jill McDonald said: "For the past three years, we have been working hard behind the scenes to create a fizzy drink that is unlike anything else currently available in high street restaurants.
"We tried and tested 80 formulations in order to create the right product that delivers nutritional benefit as well as a new, exciting taste."
The new drink follows the introduction of carrot sticks, fruit bags, mineral water and organic semi-skimmed milk to McDonald's Happy Meal menu.
Children's Food Campaign spokesman Malcolm Clark said: "It's encouraging to see companies like McDonald's making it easier for parents to make healthier choices for their children.
"The best news for children's health will be if fruit-based drinks start to displace sugary drinks such as Coca-Cola from children's menus in McDonald's."
Sasha Watkins, a spokesperson for the British Dietetic Association, added that although it was great to see healthier alternatives to soft drinks being made available, parents should remember that fruit juice - while being high in nutrients such as Vitamin C - is also full of sugar.
"Only one 150ml glass of unsweetened 100% fruit or vegetable juice can count towards our five a day. Water is still the best drink choice for both children and adults."
Richard Laming, media director of the British Soft Drinks Association, also cautioned against expecting too much from health-targeted products.
"The soft drinks market is fast-moving, dynamic and always open to new, innovative products. New drinks can survive if consumers like them, but if they don’t find a following, they won’t last.
"It’s consumer taste that shapes the market."
Positive Parenting
How To Be A Positive Parent (01 of11)
Open Image ModalShow The Love (02 of11)
Open Image ModalYou can never spoil your child by showing them too much love. Boost their self-esteem by making them feel cherished, safe and special. (credit:Alamy)
Have Clear Rules (03 of11)
Open Image ModalHave clear simple rules and limits. Your child needs to know what the boundaries are, what is and is not acceptable. Keep it simple to avoid confusion and concentrate on behaviour that really matters. (credit:Alamy)
Praise Good Behaviour(04 of11)
Open Image ModalPraise good behaviour that you want to encourage and chances are, your child will repeat this as they know there's a reward at the end of it. (credit:Alamy)
Ignore Bad Behaviour(05 of11)
Open Image ModalIf you ignore behaviour you don't like, it is less likely to be repeated by your child. Make it clear that you're open to communication when they are behaving, but not when they are being naughty or disruptive. (credit:Alamy)
Avoid Direct Criticism (06 of11)
Open Image ModalRather than telling your child off for being bad, identify what they have done wrong and criticise the behaviour instead. Direct criticism can cause your child to go into their shell and become shy and withdrawn. (credit:Alamy)
Show The Signs(07 of11)
Open Image ModalBe as demonstrative as possible. Sweep her off her feet and praise her to when she's been a good girl. She'll remember how happy it makes her feel and make her want to be good again. (credit:Alamy)
Step In (08 of11)
Open Image ModalIf it looks as though your child's behaviour is starting to deteriorate, step in before things go wrong. Redirect them to another activity to avoid conflict. Acknowledge your child's feelings by saying, 'I know you are cross" but make it clear that it doesn't go beyond that point. (credit:Alamy)
Let Go of Control (09 of11)
Open Image ModalChildren need to learn about dealing with choices and decision-making. Don't impose your decisions on them all the time, let them have their say on little things and gradually increase this as they get older. (credit:Alamy)
Never Be Threatening (10 of11)
Open Image ModalNever use threats or physical behaviour, as this will only make the situation worse. Negotiate solutions when there is a disagreement and remember to communicate to help dissolve the problem. This way, your child will end up understanding what went wrong and why you are upset with them. (credit:Alamy)
Set A Good Example (11 of11)
Open Image ModalIt's vital for parents to be positive role models for their child and practice what they preach. Actions speak louder than words. Let your child see that rules apply to everyone in the family, not just him or her. (credit:Alamy)