Support for Coke's view came from the New Zealand Nutrition Foundation (NZNF), which applauded the brochure for giving consumers useful information about the nutritional impact of different drinks.

However, Coke's claim has sparked criticism from other health organisations. Although the nutritional analyses are accurate, they are potentially misleading. The brochure compares products per 100ml but few people drink only this amount. Many people wouldn't multiply the sugar content to get a realistic idea of the amount of sugar they are consuming - about nine teaspoons in a can of Coke and about five teaspoons in a glass of Keri orange juice.

And what is moderation? This could mean different things to different people. The brochure has no guidelines on appropriate consumption.

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There's been a lot of media attention lately on drinks that are high in natural and added sugar, and on the role played by these drinks in children's weight problems. And there's increasing evidence that many of these drinks should be kept for treats only (less than once a week).

Earlier this year the scientific committee of the Agencies for Nutrition Action (ANA) published a report reviewing recent research into the association between high-sugar drinks and children's weight gain. Eleven of the 16 research studies found a positive association; five found no association.

High-sugar drinks include soft drinks, pure fruit juices, fruit drinks and cordial. The ANA's scientific committee advises limiting the intake of these drinks - especially soft drinks and fruit drinks. The World Health Organisation has made similar recommendations.

There's conflicting evidence about whether pure fruit juice makes children put on weight. But it's important to remember that soft drinks and fruit juices have around the same sugar and energy content, and therefore the same potential for weight gain. On the other hand, fruit juice does provide some fibre, vitamins, and minerals.

Some schools now have water-only policies and ban vending machines, despite the loss of revenue. This is because of concerns about childhood obesity and dental health.

Dental health

Sugary drinks may also contribute to poor dental health. All sugar, whether it is natural or added, has the same effect on teeth.

Sugar attacks teeth by reacting with plaque (a thin layer of bacteria on the surface of the teeth) to produce acids. These then attack the tooth enamel and cause decay. You have to be wary of sugar-free drinks and sports water too, because these contain acid that erodes tooth enamel. Unlike the decay caused by sugar, this doesn't require the presence of bacteria.

Soft drinks and juices, as well as being high in sugar, are also acidic so you get a double dental nightmare!

The damage can be minimised if you keep sugary and acidic drinks for mealtimes. This is when saliva production is high. Saliva helps protect the teeth by washing the sugar and acid away. Avoid sipper bottles for drinking sweet drinks - these can be disastrous as sipping something sugary over a long period of time is the surest way to damage teeth.

And don't forget the importance of regularly brushing your teeth.

Drinking tips

Drink lots of plain water and trim milk everyday.

• Keep a jug of plain water in the fridge. Add slices of lemon or orange to give some flavour if required. A special water bottle or novelty straw may encourage consumption.

• Children over the age of two can have low-fat and reduced-fat milk and dairy products.

Cut down on fruit juices, flavoured milk, flavoured waters and diet drinks.

• Infants under one year should not be given straight or undiluted fruit juice.

• Water fruit juice down by at least one in four for young children, and one in three for older children.

• For teens and adults, one glass of fruit juice can count as one of the recommended five or more servings of fruit and vegetables a day.

• Dilute flavoured milk: use half flavoured milk with half trim milk. This will lower the energy, sugar, and fat - and it will slightly increase the calcium content.

• Flavoured waters and diet drinks contain less sugar and energy but may still contribute to tooth decay. It's important not to create a taste for sweet, flavoured drinks.

Keep soft drinks and fruit drinks (cordials) for treats - less than one serving per week.

• Soft drinks have high sugar and energy and some contain caffeine.

• Fruit drinks have high sugar and energy.

Remember that specialist drinks are not recommended for everyone.

• Energy drinks are not recommended for children, pregnant or breastfeeding women, or people sensitive to caffeine.

• Sports drinks may be useful for certain sports and situations. However, in most cases water is fine.