Sugar content drops in all UK yogurt categories, except dairy alternatives
Fresh research analysing the sugar content of yogurt products in the UK between 2016 and 2019 has revealed a median decrease of 13%. The dairy alternative category, however, is yet to follow suit.
In an effort to reduce obesity rates, Public Health England (PHE) challenged food manufacturers to cut sugar levels in the food categories that contribute the most sugar to children’s diets. The sugar reduction scheme was launched in 2016, and called for a 20% reduction in sugar by 2020.
Sweetened yogurt products are a significant source of free sugars, and as such, yogurt and fromage frais were also targeted by the reformulation scheme, alongside biscuits, breakfast cereals, and confectionery.
As PHE’s deadline approaches, how successful have food manufacturers been in reducing sugar content in yogurt products? According to fresh research from the University of Leeds, ‘significant’ reduction in sugar levels have been observed in most yogurt categories.
The team of researchers from the University of Leeds surveyed yogurt products available in five major supermarkets in the UK: Asda, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s, Tesco, and Waitrose.
Product information was collected for a total of 893 unique yogurt, fromage frais, and dairy dessert products. Biggest cuts were seen in children’s, drinks, and fruit yoghurts. Overall, products classed as ‘low sugar’ – containing less than five grams of sugar per 100 grams – increased from 9% of items on sale in 2016 to 15% in 2019.
Findings also revealed that the dairy alternatives category was the only category with a net increase in sugar contents. While there was not a ‘significant difference’ in sugar content for this category, lead author Dr Bernadette Moore cautioned against the belief that all dairy-free products are ‘healthy’.
“Movements such as Veganuary may encourage people to reconsider their eating habits, but it’s important that people are aware that dairy alternatives may be an unrecognised source of added sugar to their diet.
“Because dairy alternatives do not have lactose, which is a naturally-occurring sugar, the total sugar content comes entirely from sweeteners. Generally, added sugars are considered to be worse for teeth and health.”
Image source: GettyImages/bogdandreava
