KitKats to have 10% less sugar
In keeping with last week’s sugar reduction and reformulation theme, Nestlé’s UK and Ireland has revealed that 10% of sugar will be removed from its well-known brands, including KitKat, Aero, Smarties, Munchies and Rolo by next year.
The move, Nestlé says, will see around 7,500 tonnes of sugar removed across its confectionery range by 2018 through a range of methods and initiatives.
The changes will largely be achieved by “replacing sugar with higher quantities of existing ingredients or other, non-artificial ingredients” and ensuring products are below a certain amount of calories. Nestlé explains that its investment in research and development will also deliver new technology and innovation to further improve products in the future.
Fiona Kendrick, chairman and CEO of Nestlé UK and Ireland, says the company knows that “if we can improve these products nutritionally, provide more choice and information for the consumer, together with other categories, we can have a significant impact on public health.”
She adds, “Nestlé is at the forefront of efforts to research and develop new technology that makes food products better for our consumers. These innovations will help us to reduce sugar in confectionery when they are combined with other, more common methods like reformulating recipes and swapping sugar for other, non-artificial ingredients.
“Making these improvements to our products is key to us delivering better choices for our consumers while retaining the same great taste that they know and love.”
Public Health England has welcomed the move, with chief executive Duncan Selbie noting, “Nestlé is the latest household name to commit to making everyday products healthier and we’re delighted this is just the start of its efforts.
“This sends a clear message that reducing sugar in food is possible, even in products that are typically harder to reformulate.”
The move forms part of Nestle’s target to reduce added sugars in products across all categories globally by 5% by 2020. Last year, the company revealed that it had found a way to reduce the amount of sugar in its chocolate by as much as 40%.
So who else will follow suit and step up to the sugar challenge? Let us know your views by joining in the conversation on Twitter @confectionprod.
