Fruit yogurts could soon be classified as unhealthy under the UK’s proposed junk food regulations, as manufacturers warn of potential recipe changes and higher prices for consumers.
Potential Impact on Dairy Products
The new rules target dairy items with mashed or pureed fruit due to their natural sugars, potentially grouping them with ultra-processed foods. Plain yogurt would remain nutritious, while fruit-added versions might face restrictions despite added fiber and nutrients. In contrast, yogurts flavored with artificial sweeteners would escape the changes.
Producers express concerns over the ongoing consultation, fearing they must reformulate products or remove healthy options from shelves. Experts predict increased red tape could drive up yogurt prices for shoppers.
Similar Concerns in Other Foods
Earlier reports highlighted tomatoes potentially being removed from pasta sauces under the same crackdown, described as counter-intuitive by industry leaders.
Stuart Machin, chief executive of Marks & Spencer, called the plans ‘nonsensical,’ noting they encourage replacing fruit purees in yogurts or tomato paste in sauces with artificial sweeteners.
A spokesman for Mars Food & Nutrition, maker of Dolmio pasta sauces, warned of ‘unintended consequences for consumers, such as vegetable and fruit purees and pastes being replaced with ingredients of lower nutrient density.’
Advertising and Broader Implications
Affected fruit yogurts would fall under the 9pm advertising watershed enforced by the Advertising Standards Authority, covering 13 categories linked to poor diets and childhood obesity. Officials aim to curb commercial influences on children’s eating habits from a young age.
Industry Reactions
A Danone North Europe spokesman supports health improvements but cautions about ‘unintended consequences for consumers.’
Yeo Valley Organic deems the approach ‘counter-intuitive,’ risking naturally nutritious yogurts being treated like junk food.
Nestlé is evaluating the plans, with some Ski yogurts potentially impacted if implemented.
Dr. Judith Bryans of Dairy UK warns dairy faces heavy penalties: ‘Now there will be yet more pressure on dairy companies to reformulate and the UK Nutrient Profiling Model risks shaping consumer perception away from healthy foods like yogurt or milk-based drinks, towards foods that the model favours but contain empty calories and little meaningful nutrition – for example a pot of jelly or a sugar-free fizzy drink.’
Government Position
A Department of Health and Social Care spokesman stated: ‘As part of the 10-Year Health Plan, this government is committed to supporting parents to raise the healthiest generation of children ever. The current system is based on a nutrient profiling model more than 20 years old, which does not reflect modern dietary advice, which is why we have consulted on updating it. Since 2015, guidance has been clear that children should eat less free sugar and more fibre. The updated model reflects this and better balances beneficial nutrients against salt, sugar and saturated fat.’
