Tesco has banned or restricted the use of 114 ingredients in a crackdown on ultra processed foods. The supermarket says the move follows research which showed 80% of its customers were wanting to eat healthier foods and cut those which are highly processed.
Restrictions across own-brand range
It has now confirmed it has "banned or restricted" the use of 114 ingredients across its Tesco Own Brand range, including substances such as artificial colours, aspartame and monosodium glutamate. The company says it has specific requirements for its own-brand suppliers regarding the use of additives, permitting them only where necessary for food safety, shelf life or quality, and in the minimum quantity required.
Alice Ritchie, Head of Healthy and Sustainable Diets, said: "Making healthy, sustainably produced food affordable and accessible for every household is a priority for Tesco. We're working hard to reformulate our products to make them healthier and more nutritious and we provide clear guidance to our Own Brand suppliers on the use of additives. As part of this, we have restricted the use of 114 additives in our Own Brand products."
Industry moves on UPFs
Tesco is not alone amongst major retailers in addressing the issue of UPFs. Last year, M&S launched its "only" range, which uses minimal ingredients, and it says it has been warmly received by customers. These use short, recognisable lists of real-food ingredients without industrial additives, emulsifiers, or preservatives. It also displays the ingredients with weights on the front of the packaging so shoppers can see at a glance what they are buying.
Tesco said it had been working to reformulate its products over the past eight years "without compromising on taste or quality". This involved examining a wide range of nutrients and ingredients crucial to supporting a healthy diet, while working to reduce calories, saturated fat, salt or sugar.
Collaboration and transparency
It said it was collaborating closely with branded suppliers to guarantee it is stocking healthy and HFSS-compliant branded products. The range is also designed to encourage dietary changes towards healthier, lower-fat, salt and sugar options in line with the Eatwell Guide, reports the Mirror.
The retailer stated it was dedicated to improving transparency around UPFs, as shoppers wanted to see simpler, more recognisable ingredients listed on packaging. It noted it wasn't merely removing ingredients but that its product development teams were working to boost positive nutrients in its products by incorporating vegetables, fruit and increasing fibre, while also maintaining taste.
It added: "As we navigate our role in the conversation around UPFs, our commitment to food safety and quality remains paramount. We will continue our work to make health as simple and accessible as possible – making it easy to shop quality whole foods (including fruit and veg, whole grains, beans and pulses) at prices customers can afford."
