British Heart Foundation: New research released has revealed the high amounts of hidden sugar in supposedly healthy snacks targeted at children. Our Senior Dietitian, Victoria Taylor, explains that it is not always easy to identify healthy food options and that is why we need clear colour coding on the front of food packaging. The research, released by Action on Sugar,
shows that of the ‘healthy’ fruit snack products surveyed, including
Fruit Bowl Fruit Flakes Raspberry Rush (25g), The Fruit Factory Sports
Mix-Ups (5x18g) and Whitworths Sunny Raisin Coated Custard Raisins
(25g); over three quarters (85%) contain more sugars than Haribo Starmix
(47g/100g) confectionary per 100g – with some containing over 4
teaspoons per portion.
Almost all (99%) of the products would receive a ‘red’ colour coded warning on the label for high sugars per 100g.
Victoria Taylor, our Senior Dietitian, explains: “Across the board we
are eating more sugar than is recommended and it’s not always easy to
tell which foods are the healthy options.
“Things that we might assume to be a healthy choice can still come with high amounts of sugar, salt and saturated fat.
“That’s why it is so important that we have clear, colour coded front of
pack information on all foods so that busy parents can make the right
decisions about the food they buy for their family.”
