A staggering 80% of British children consume excessive sugar, with the average child ingesting 13 sugar cubes daily—double the recommended amount. This overconsumption not only triggers hyperactivity but also damages teeth and, over time, can lead to serious health issues such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
The Birth of a Healthier Treat
In response to this crisis, former Cadbury's marketer Fliss Newland, aged 31, launched Wild Thingz: a low-sugar confection designed specifically for children. The product aims to provide a guilt-free alternative to traditional sweets while still appealing to young taste buds.
What Makes Wild Thingz Different?
Wild Thingz gummy sweets are crafted from organic ingredients and contain significantly less sugar than standard chewies. For instance, the Zesty Pests variant has only 7g of sugar per 25g serving, compared to 12g in the same serving of regular Haribos. The secret lies in fruit-based sweeteners replacing the usual glucose syrup, resulting in an impressive 4.3 out of 5 star rating on Ocado.
Nutritional Comparison
- Wild Thingz Zesty Pests: 7g sugar per 25g serving
- Regular Haribos: 12g sugar per 25g serving
- Popcorn: approximately 0.2g sugar per serving
The Caveats
Despite their healthier profile, Wild Thingz are still fundamentally sweets. Even lower-sugar versions contribute to tooth decay, as bacteria in the mouth feed on any type of sugar—natural or not—producing acids that erode enamel. While plant-based gel pectin gives them a softer, less sticky texture than traditional gelatin-loaded gummies, they can still cling to teeth long enough to cause damage if consumed throughout the day.
The Verdict
If your child desires a treat, Wild Thingz are among the best options available. However, they represent harm reduction rather than a free pass. With 7g of sugar per serving, these sweets are not suitable as an everyday snack. Compared to a bag of popcorn (0.2g sugar per serving), it is evident that Wild Thingz, while delicious, remain a sugary threat rather than a health food.
Our rating: 3 out of 5 stars—a better choice than standard sweets, but moderation is key.
