Food-to-go giants pledge to cut sugar levels

Food to go chains, including Costa, McDonald’s and Greggs, have signed up to a code of practice which means the use of sugar in their food and drink will be slashed by 20 per cent in 2020.

This change will mean that a whole host of recipes currently served at each chain will be revised and low sugar items will also be added to their menus. This will entail the rise of smaller portions and use of frozen yoghurt instead of ice cream. 

The new legislation has been devised to meet targets set by the Public Health England (PHE) as part of the ongoing Childhood Obesity Plan. Besides the aforementioned chains, Caffè Nero, Mitchells & Butlers, Pizza Hut Delivery, Premier Inn, Starbucks, Wetherspoons, and Whitbread Restaurants have also heeded the advice of the watchdog.

The code, designed by a working group from all participating companies, has been reviewed by the British Nutrition Foundation, and concerns a series of commitments centred on cutting sugar and responsible marketing to children. This will also see its advocates implement tactics which encourage customers to make healthier choices and offer a healthier children’s menu.

Professor Judy Buttriss, Director General of the British Nutrition Foundation, said: ‘We really welcome this development which recognises the important role these major high street brands in the out-of-home sector can play in improving the nation’s diet.

‘There is a need to ensure that healthier options are always prominent, attractive and affordable, and to encourage others in the sector, large and small, to follow this lead. 

'BNF has developed on-line training that can support companies on this journey.’