Food manufacturers are re-engineering snacks to meet health standards, but proposed changes to government nutritional models threaten to undermine years of investment.
Key facts
- •Mondelēz International has invested £40 million in reformulation since 2020.
- •The UK serves as the company's largest research and development hub, employing over 750 scientists and engineers.
- •BelVita reduced sodium in its soft bakes range by 56%.
- •Paid-for online advertising of high-fat, salt, and sugar products has been banned since January 2026.
- •The Food and Drink Federation estimates 80% of reformulated products could fail under the proposed new government model.
UK food companies are reformulating popular snacks to comply with government rules on fat, sugar, and salt content. Major manufacturers like Mondelēz International have invested millions into research and development to adjust recipes, such as replacing palm oil with sunflower oil or reducing sodium. However, the industry now faces potential regulatory shifts that could reclassify many of these reformulated products as "less healthy," complicating advertising and marketing efforts.
By the numbers
The Scientific Process of Reformulation
Reformulation involves complex laboratory work to maintain texture, bulk, and preservation while reducing target ingredients. At Reading Scientific Services Ltd (RSSL), scientists use tools like 3D printing and industrial CT scanners to analyze the internal structure of snacks. Culinary chefs also work with developers to ensure that ingredient changes, such as using natural salt alternatives, do not negatively impact the consumer experience.
Regulatory Challenges and Industry Concerns
The UK government is reviewing its Nutrient Profiling Model (NPM), which determines which foods are classified as "less healthy." The Food and Drink Federation warns that 80% of previously reformulated products could fail under the proposed stricter thresholds for sugar and fiber. Manufacturers argue that this uncertainty makes long-term investment difficult, especially since advertising for high-fat, salt, and sugar products is already banned online.
Limits of Ingredient Substitution
Not all reformulation efforts have succeeded; for example, lower-sugar versions of Cadbury Dairy Milk were discontinued due to poor sales. Consequently, some companies are shifting strategies toward portion control, keeping products under specific calorie limits. Meanwhile, advocates like Action on Salt & Sugar argue that the updated model is necessary to reflect current health evidence and that industry standards must continue to evolve.
Timeline
- 2018The current Nutrient Profiling Model was drawn up and first consulted on.
- 2020Mondelēz International began its £40 million investment in reformulation work.
- January 2026A ban on paid-for online advertising of high-fat, salt, and sugar products took effect.
Advertisement
This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by The Guardian Health.
