Remaking the biscuit: from Doritos to digestives, why the UK’s snacks are being ‘reformulated’
Healthy eating rules are forcing brands to recook their recipes. Are consumers noticing the difference? Bite into a Ritz cracker today and you’re eating 80% less saturated fat than you would have been just a few years ago. The biscuit looks and snaps the same, and tastes close enough that most buyers have no idea they’re eating a new recipe. One of the biggest changes was swapping palm oil for…
The UK snack industry is undergoing a significant transformation as manufacturers reformulate their products to meet stricter government regulations on fat, sugar, and salt content. Consumers may not notice the changes, as many products retain their taste and texture despite being healthier. For instance, a Ritz cracker today contains 80% less saturated fat compared to a few years ago.
This reformulation process involves extensive laboratory testing, including density, heat, moisture, and packaging responses. Major brands like Mondelēz International, behind Oreo and Ritz, have invested heavily in reengineering their recipes to comply with the new guidelines. The government is now considering a revised Nutrient Profiling Model (NPM) that could impact over 80% of reformulated products, particularly those with high sugar levels.
This change could potentially re-classify some reformulated snacks as "less healthy," triggering restrictions on advertising and promotion. Food companies are concerned that these regulatory changes may undo years of work on reformulation, leading to potential failures in the marketplace.
Written by urgent.news from Guardian Business's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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