Across Rwanda, milk bars—small kiosks serving sweetened milk drinks, ice cream, and pastries—have become a cultural staple, especially among youths and office workers. The Ministry of Health released a statement on Monday acknowledging the popularity of these venues while expressing concern over the high sugar content of many offerings. Health Minister Dr. Jeanne Mukantabana urged consumers to “enjoy milk bars in moderation” and recommended that vendors provide low‑sugar or unsweetened alternatives. The ministry plans to launch a public‑education campaign and work with the Rwanda Food and Drugs Authority to develop nutritional guidelines for milk‑based beverages, aiming to curb the rise in diabetes and obesity rates without dampening the country’s cherished milk‑bar tradition.
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