A new study from Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) has revealed that many snack bars marketed as 'healthy' are actually high in sugar and saturated fat. Researchers analysed over 450 bars from ten UK supermarkets and found that 37% were high in sugar, 55% high in saturated fat, and 64% would be classified as 'less healthy' products.
Among the worst offenders were the M&S Dark Chocolate Date Bar with 198 calories and 26.5g of sugar per serving, Nakd Raw Fruit & Nut Bars (Blueberry Muffin and Salted Caramel) with around 130 calories and 17g sugar each, and the Deliciously Ella Roasted Peanut Protein Ball with 150 calories and 16g sugar. Government guidelines recommend adults consume no more than 30g of free sugars daily, equivalent to seven sugar cubes.
Dr Kawther Hashem, senior lecturer at QMUL, said parents and young people are being 'misled' into thinking they are buying healthy products. She called on the government to introduce mandatory front-of-pack labelling, tighten sugar thresholds, and introduce levies on unhealthy foods. Nutritionist Nourhan Barakat added that phrases like 'natural ingredients' and 'high in fibre' can be deceptive, as many bars are high in sugar and saturated fat.
Deliciously Ella said its product is a 'functional, energising snack' made from six simple ingredients, while M&S stated its chocolate bar is not a health bar but an alternative with naturally occurring sugar. A government spokesperson said the government is taking action through advertising restrictions, limiting price promotions, and introducing mandatory reporting on sales of healthy food as part of its 10 Year Health Plan.
