A recent investigation by the campaign group Action on Salt and Sugar has raised serious concerns about snack bars marketed as healthy. The audit revealed that many of these bars contain more sugar than a Krispy Kreme doughnut, with some options exceeding 26 grams of sugar per serving—equivalent to nearly seven teaspoons. This finding has prompted experts to warn consumers about misleading health claims associated with these products.
The analysis examined the nutritional content of over 450 snack bars sold in supermarkets across the UK. The results indicated that more than one-third of the bars were classified as high in sugars according to the UK’s current traffic-light labelling system. Under stricter criteria, such as those established by Chile, a staggering 68 percent of these products would be deemed high in sugar.
Dr. Kawther Hashem, a senior lecturer in public health nutrition and head of research and impact at Action on Salt and Sugar, highlighted the dangers of misleading marketing. She stated, “Parents and young people are being misled into believing these products are healthy when many contain excess sugar and calories.” Dr. Hashem urged the government to enforce clearer front-of-pack labelling and implement stricter sugar thresholds to protect public health.
The investigation also revealed that over half of the examined snack bars were high in saturated fat, adding to concerns about their overall health benefits. Many products label themselves with claims like “high in fibre” or “natural ingredients,” but according to Nourhan Barakat, a nutritionist at Action on Salt and Sugar, these claims can be deceptive. “It’s unacceptable that an average serving provides nearly one-third of a child’s recommended daily sugar intake,” she remarked, warning of potential long-term health risks.
Among the worst offenders, the Marks and Spencer’s Dark Chocolate Date Bar contained 26.5 grams of sugar per serving, compared to 12 grams found in a standard Krispy Kreme Original Glazed Doughnut. Other notable products included Nakd’s Raw Fruit & Nut Salted Caramel Bar and Kellogg’s Rice Krispies Squares, which contained 17 grams and 14 grams of sugar, respectively.
Despite government recommendations that limit daily free sugar intake to 30 grams, many snack bars exceed this guideline. The average calorie intake in the UK continues to surpass recommended levels, contributing to a rise in obesity and associated health conditions, including type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Action on Salt and Sugar is advocating for mandatory front-of-pack labelling, which would require clear and consistent colour-coded or warning labels. This initiative aims to help consumers easily identify unhealthy options. The group also suggests that health claims should be restricted to products that are genuinely low in sugar, salt, and saturated fat.
The findings of this investigation serve as a critical reminder for consumers to scrutinize the nutritional information on food packaging, especially for products that claim to be healthy. As sugar intake remains above recommended levels across all age groups, the need for clearer regulations and consumer awareness is more pressing than ever.
