The average UK shopping basket has become healthier in recent years as the food and drink industry is making changes to support balanced diets.
The new Kantar Worldpanel data, released by the Food and Drink Federation (FDF) today, shows that food and drink manufacturers are improving recipes, innovating with new healthier options and providing appropriate portion sizes.
Products from FDF members now contribute 13% fewer calories, 15% fewer sugars and 24% less salt to the average shopping basked than they did eight years ago.
“Our companies are committed to helping people live healthy lives and we recognise the important role we play in offering a range of healthier choices for consumers,” FDF chief scientific officer, Kate Halliwell said.
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“These latest figures show the fantastic achievements the UK food and drink industry continues to deliver, throughout a challenging period of uncertainty, and we should celebrate this.”
However, she said that more support is needed to help smaller businesses match the innovation and output of larger companies.
“With 97% of the food and drink industry made up by small to medium sized companies, these companies can play an important role in providing healthier options but many do not have the resources, or technical expertise to reformulate their products.
“The industry stands ready to work with government to drive further innovation within our sector, and to work in partnership to power the health of our workforce and communities across the UK.”
British Nutrition Foundation chief executive, Elaine Hindal agreed that reformulation “has an important part to play in helping people to have healthier diets, through improving the nutrient profile of food.”
“Although on its own reformulation can only take us so far on the journey towards supporting healthier and more sustainable dietary patterns, it is encouraging to see the progress shown by this new data and that there is consideration for how to ensure all businesses – regardless of size – get the support they need to improve the nutrient profile of their products.”
