Tesco has banned or restricted 114 ingredients across its Tesco Own Brand range, an increase of 49 on last year, in response to customer demand for healthier eating. The supermarket giant says 80% of its shoppers are eager to eat more healthily and reduce their consumption of ultra-processed foods.
The banned or restricted ingredients include artificial colours, aspartame and monosodium glutamate. Tesco states it has set out 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 smallest quantities required.
Reformulation work over eight years
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".
Tesco says it has spent the past eight years working to reformulate its products "without compromising on taste or quality". This has involved examining a broad range of nutrients and ingredients vital to maintaining a healthy diet, with efforts to reduce calories, saturated fat, salt and sugar.
Focus on positive nutrients and transparency
The retailer states it is working in close partnership with branded suppliers to guarantee it is providing healthy and HFSS-compliant branded products. Its range also aims to support dietary shifts towards healthier, lower-fat, salt and sugar diets in line with the Eatwell Guide, reports the Mirror.
The supermarket confirmed its commitment to greater transparency surrounding UPFs, as shoppers are keen to see simpler, more recognisable ingredients listed on packaging. Rather than simply removing ingredients, its product development teams are focused on boosting positive nutrients by incorporating vegetables, fruit and increased fibre, while maintaining flavour throughout.
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."
Other retailers taking similar steps
Tesco is far from the only major retailer addressing the issue of UPFs. Last year, M&S launched its "only" range using minimal ingredients, which it says has been welcomed 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.
