Snack Foods marginally less unhealthy in UK- manufacturers are taking note...

Key Note, market analysts for the confectionary trades reports that in the UK between September 2004 and May 2005 salty snack sales fell 3.3 % and sweet snacks fell 2 % in the year ending May 2006. Around 40 % of those questioned said they were buying less potato crisps and other savoury snacks than 12 months ago and 83 % agreed that manufacturers needed to do more to reduce fat, salt and sugar levels in snack foods.

The report says: "The Government and others campaigns to reduce levels of fat, salt and sugar in consumer's diets – in response to the substantial and growing numbers of overweight and obese persons in the population – have had an adverse effect on sales of sweet and salty snacks."

In order to combat dropping sales, large manufacturers such as Walkers and United Biscuits have led the way by reducing the fat and salt content of major brands or targeting a new audience.

New Walkers Baked
All the great baked taste from Walkers with 70% less fat*. Just better for being baked!
All Walkers Baked contain:

- 70% less fat*
- 99 calories per pack**
* than ordinary Walkers crisps on average in 2006
** on average per 25g bag. Salt and Vinegar flavour and Ready Salted contain 98 Calories

United Biscuits claim," In 2006 Mini Cheddars and Crinklys relaunched as "healthier. Using a blend of sunflower and vegetable oil, saturated fat has been reduced 30% on Mini Cheddars and 40% on Crinklys.

Original Mini Cheddars is now 10% lower in sodium and free from artifical colours, flavours and MSG."

Which tells you how fucking unhealthy they were to start with - UB make the disgusting Hula Hoops. (UB profits up £544.9 million (2005: £511.6 million) 6.5%)

In the US Frito-Lay (Pepsi-co snacks division with US$10BN sales) launched on february 16th 2007 "healthier" snacks that are (allegedly) fruit and vegetable-based crisps under the Flat Earth brand name ("making the impossible, possible" ) ... evidently aimed at those who have not rational sense of judgement.Each one ounce serving of the new contains half a serving of fruits or vegetables (?) and the range comes in six flavours: retail for $2.99 (6 oz.), Farmland Cheddar, Garlic & Herb Field, Tangy Tomato Ranch, Wild Berry Patch, Apple Cinnamon Grove and Peach Mango Paradise - the brand has a " whimsical icon "– the Flying Pig

“Flat Earth is a breakthrough snack that tastes great and has positive nutritional benefits.” Tess Zbuchalski, vice president, Health & Wellness Innovation Marketing, Frito-Lay North America

“Flat Earth is an innovative snack product that builds on and expands Frito-Lay’s health and wellness portfolio,” said Joe Ennen, vice president of Innovation, Frito-Lay North America.

Frito-Lay also invites US consumers to "Turn up the volume of your snacking with the amped-up spices, high-decibel cheese, and the awesome crunch of Doritos brand tortilla chips with the NEW Doritos Mini Bites 100 calorie snack pack (60 of those from FAT) ...just look at all those really healthy ingrdients - how the hell do they get all that in and it's only 100 calories ?