Sweet Deception: Snack Bars Hide More Sugar Than Doughnuts

An extensive audit of over 450 snack bars available in UK supermarkets has uncovered a concerning trend: many products marketed as healthy alternatives are loaded with sugar, some exceeding the content found in two Krispy Kreme doughnuts. The investigation by Action on Salt and Sugar found that over a third of these bars are classified as high in sugar under current UK labelling systems.

This revelation has prompted experts to voice strong criticism, labeling the findings 'unacceptable' and attributing the issue to misleading marketing and inadequate government policies. They highlight that phrases like 'high in fibre' or 'natural ingredients' can be deceptive, as these bars can simultaneously be high in sugar and saturated fat, posing risks to health.

Action on Salt and Sugar is urging the government to implement mandatory clear front-of-pack labelling, restrict health claims on unhealthy products, and introduce levies on high-sugar foods. These measures aim to combat the sugar crisis and protect consumers, particularly children, from health conditions linked to excessive sugar consumption.