Children are eating the equivalent of five donuts a a day as a result of “hidden sugars,” a coalition of obesity experts has warned.

New research from the Obesity Health Alliance shows that the average child is eating as much sugar as if they were consuming 20 chocolate biscuits or five slices of cake each day.

The group of 39 charities, royal colleges and medical experts is calling for urgent changes to “reformulate” foods, to reduce the amount of sugar contained in convenience foods and soft drinks.

Last year the Government childhood obesity strategy pledged to reduce sugar content in foods by 20 per cent by 2020. It comes alongside a sugar tax on drinks, to encourage manufacturers to reduce sugar levels, and to persuade consumers to choose healthier options.

Public health experts last night urged the food industry to act quickly to reduce the sugar content from common foods.