A new study has found that many snack bars marketed as healthy are actually packed with sugar and saturated fat, misleading consumers. Researchers from Queen Mary University of London 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'.
Among the worst offenders were the M&S Dark Chocolate Date Bar (198 calories, 26.5g sugar), Nakd Raw Fruit & Nut Bars (around 130 calories, 17g sugar), and Deliciously Ella Roasted Peanut Protein Ball (150 calories, 16g sugar). Government guidelines recommend adults consume no more than 30g of free sugars daily.
Experts are calling for mandatory front-of-pack labelling, stricter sugar thresholds, and levies on unhealthy foods. Dr Kawther Hashem said parents and young people are being misled, and the government must take assertive action to protect children's health.
Deliciously Ella stated its product is a functional snack made from simple ingredients, while M&S said its bar is not a health bar but an alternative with naturally occurring sugar. A government spokesperson highlighted ongoing measures to tackle obesity, including restricting junk food advertising and limiting promotions.
