Earlier this month, the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN) published its final report on carbohydrates, which advised the UK government to halve the intake recommendation of free sugars in the populations diet to less than five per cent of daily energy intake.
Less than two weeks after its publication, the called for sugar cull seems to have caught the attention of the supermarket giants, with news that Tesco is set to ban childrens sugary drinks from its stores and M&S announcing it will remove chocolates and sweets from till points.
In a bid to tackle childhood obesity, Tesco has reportedly revealed plans to axe drinks with added sugar – including products from Capri Sun, Ribena and Rubicon – replacing them with its own brand no added sugar alternatives.
In a similar move, M&S is axing guilt lanes in favour of healthy lanes, putting a stop to last minute treat tempting at the checkout.
Of course, M&S customers will still be able to stock up on confectionery elsewher in the store and with action on the two moves being held off until September, both supermarkets can still take advantage of increased footfall from youngsters during the summer holidays.