Tesco has increased the number of ingredients it either bans completely or limits in its own-brand products to 114, an increase of 49 on last year. The supermarket said around four out of five of its shoppers are keen to eat more healthily and cut the amount of ultra processed foods they are consuming.
The banned or restricted ingredients include artificial colours, aspartame and monosodium glutamate. Tesco said it has specific requirements for its own-brand suppliers on the use of additives, allowing them only where necessary for food safety, shelf life or quality, and in the minimum amount needed.
Reformulation work over eight years
Tesco said it has been working hard to reformulate its products for the past eight years in a way "without compromising on taste or quality". This includes looking at a wide variety of nutrients and ingredients important to supporting a healthy diet, working to reduce calories, saturated fat, salt or sugar.
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."
Commitment to transparency and positive nutrients
The supermarket said it was committed to increasing transparency around ultra-processed foods, as customers wanted to see simpler, more recognisable ingredients on packaging. It said it wasn't just removing ingredients but its product development teams were aiming to increase positive nutrients in its products by adding vegetables, fruit, and increasing fibre as well as keeping on top of taste.
Tesco 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."
Tesco is not the only major chain to tackle the issue of ultra-processed foods. Last year, M&S launched its "only" range using minimal ingredients, which it says has been welcomed by customers.
