Charity exposes meal deals that contain up to 30 teaspoons of sugar in a bit to curb public health crisis
Action on Sugar has exposed some of the worst supermarket meal deals in a bid to crack down on sugar consumption and reduce rates of obesity, type 2 diabetes and dental decay.
Research conducted by the charity suggests that some popular supermarket combinations contain up to 30 teaspoons of sugar. This represents four times the recommended daily intake for an adult. ‘Grab and go’ deals offer good value for money and they’re popular with people on the go, but they’re not always as healthy as they appear. The combination of sandwiches, wraps, drinks, crisps and sugary treats can actually be lethal, as the WH Smith Munch deal confirms. One combination, which contained a tuna sandwich, a 500ml bottle of Mountain Dew and a bag of Skittles Crazy Sours contained more than 30 teaspoons of sugar. Another offender at the top of the list with 30 teaspoons of sugar was Tesco’s meal deal with a pulled pork sandwich, a Monster energy drink and a Mars Duo. Both Morrison’s and the Co Op also sold products that contained up to 28 teaspoons of sugar.
Action on Sugar is now calling for more to be done to educate people about sugar content and to reduce sugar consumption. The charity is urging the government to consider tougher measures on value deals, which promote the purchase of sugar-laden products.
Last week, the Scottish Government revealed plans to regulate the promotion of foods high in sugar, salt and saturated fat.
Action on Sugar is also encouraging retailers to advertise healthier products. Almost 80 percent of Morrison’s meal deals had a red light under the traffic light warning system, compared to just 38 percent of products available at Marks and Spencer.
