Food companies in the UK have made substantial progress over the past decade, cutting salt and sugar levels in their products by nearly a third, according to a new report. However, manufacturers across the sector are now advocating for increased funding and “bold action” from the government to further drive innovation in healthy eating.
The Food and Drink Federation (FDF) announced that research conducted by Kantar Worldpanel shows that products made by its member companies now contain 31% less salt, 30% less sugar, and 25% fewer calories compared to ten years ago.
According to the FDF, companies have been investing in healthier product development for decades. As a result, our members’ products now have 31% less salt, 30% less sugar and 24% fewer calories compared to 2015. In 2021, we also launched Action on Fibre – a proactive industry initiative to help bridge the gap between fibre intakes and the dietary recommendation. Through this ongoing work, participating brands have delivered 1.5 billion servings of fibre to the population by adapting recipes and launching higher fibre options.
The group, whose members make a quarter of all food and drink sold in the UK, said the progress comes after years of investment by the industry, including around £180 million in healthier product innovation in 2024 alone.
The organization is now seeking additional financial support and is urging the government to implement “bold, co-ordinated action across the whole food system” to aid the transition towards healthier food options.
