Researchers at Queen Mary University London have identified a major gap in UK health policy. While many unhealthy foods face advertising limits, most chocolate spreads remain exempt from these rules despite high sugar levels.
99% of tested chocolate spreads fail health standards
A nutritional analysis conducted by researchers at Queen Mary University London has revealed a massive discrepancy in how the UK regulates food advertising.. The study examined 78 different chocolate spreads found in major supermarkets and found that 99 percent of them would be classified as high in fat, salt, or sugar under current government standards. according to the report,86 percent of these products were high in sugar, while 91 percent contained high levels of saturated fat.
The Queen Mary University London research team also highlighted the industrial nature of these products,noting that 92 percent of chocolate spreads are classified as ultra-processed. These items often contain various preservatives, sweeteners, and emulsifiers intended to extend shelf life. When looking at the broader category of spreads—which included 834 products such as syrups, honey, and nut butters—the study found that 78 percent were high in sugar.
From Nutella to M&S : The high sugar counts per serving
The specific sugar content in popular brands poses a direct challenge to the dietary limits set for young people. For example, the analysis found that Marks and Spencer's Whipped Chocolate Spread contains 9.2g of sugar per serving, while Nutella Hazelnut Spread with Cocoa contains 8.4g. For a child aged seven to ten,these amounts can represent nearly 40 percent of their recommended daily limit of free sugars in just a single serving.
Dr. Jizhao Niu, who led the Queen Mary University London study, pointed out that while lower-sugar options like Stute No Sugar Added Fine Cut Orange Marmalade exist, they are difficult for the average consumer to identify on a crowded supermarket shelf.. The study notes that a typical 15g serving of these spreads contains an average of 6.3g of sugar, which quickly escalates to over 12g when applied to two slices of toast.
Why porridge is restricted while Cadbury's remains exempt
The current UK advertising framework creates a paradoxical situation for parents and health advocates. Under rules introduced earlier this year, 13 categories of food and drink are subject to restrictions based on the government's nutrient profiling model. However, this has led to a scenario where healthier "on-the-go" options, such as instant porridge, face limitations, while products clearly associated with confectionery, such as Cadbury's Milk Chocolate Spread, are allowed to bypass the ban.
As reported by the Queen Mary University London researchers, this inconsistency is at the heart of the current controversy. The regulatory system fails to protect children from the most harmful dietary influences by allowing high-sugar spreads to remain visible in marketing aimed at young audiences.
Will the Government listen to Action on Salt and Sugar?
The findings come at a critical time for UK public health, with NHS figures indicating that nearly one in ten reception-aged children are clinically obese. Furthermore, one in five children suffers from tooth decay by the age of five. Dr. kawther Hashem, head of research and impact at Action on Salt and Sugar, has described the current advertising loophole as "increasingly difficult to defend."
The central question remains whether the UK government will act to close this gap. Action on Salt and Sugar is currently urging ministers to tighten measures and include chocolate and sweet spreads under the same advertising restrictions as other unhealthy products. While the research proves that manufacturers can produce lower-sugar alternatives,the lack of regulatory pressure means the current high-sugar status quo remains profitable and highly visible to children.
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