Could wonky veg be about to get it’s big break?

With conscious consumers on the rise, looking for healthier and more sustainable options, what role will reformulation play in future? More shoppers are feeling empowered to take their health into their own hands and according to IGD, health has a greater impact on purchasing decisions than ever before.

Traditionally used for their low-calorie sweetness in thousands of foods and drinks, sweeteners have received a lot of negative press over the years due to their suggested role in causing diseases in later life such as cancer. But what is the truth? Are they really a healthier alternative than sugar, or is their aftertaste more sour than sweet?

The HFSS restrictions affect the promotion of HFSS foods, intended to improve public health and tackle the rising rates of obesity in the UK, particularly in children. In October 2022, the UK government introduced the first set of restrictions which relates to where HFSS foods are sold in store, with more restrictions to come. So what do brands and retailers need to know about HFSS?

The ketogenic diet has had a surge of interest since 2014 due to its proposed impact on weight loss and Type 2 diabetes management. In the UK, Google Trends suggests interest on the ‘keto diet’ has recently risen and there are still a multitude of products available helping the population to maintain this pattern of eating.