There’s a new renewed push for better labelling of toddler products with added sugar, with health experts saying parents are being duped into buying what they believe are healthy snacks.
The Obesity Policy Coalition examined 57 toddler snacks for sale at major supermarkets, which are marketed as healthy.
The survey found many were high in sugar and processed ingredients but were confusing to parents given the lack of clear labelling.
Executive Manager of the Obesity Policy Coalition Jane Martin said sneaky marketing tactics were used to entice busy parents into buying unhealthy products.
“You wouldn’t give your toddler lolly snakes, and yet many parents are being tricked into buying sugar-laden snacks dressed up as healthy. Given the amount of sugar, it’s virtually the same thing,” she said.
“Parents deserve to know what’s really in the products they’re feeding their kids.
“Currently, that is hard to do as added sugars are not grouped together on the ingredients list or listed separately on the nutrition information panel.
“With 40 different names for sugar, even the ingredients list can’t always be relied upon to help parents make an informed choice.”
Cancer Council Victoria dietitian Alison McAleese who undertook the analysis said toddler snacks are often sweetened with processed fruit ingredients which are high in sugar.
The analysis found:
• Nearly half of the products surveyed contained over 25% sugar, with up to six different sweet ingredients contributing to the total sugar content.
• Half (51%) the products surveyed had a statement about fruit or included fruit in their name.
• Nearly half (47%) had an image of whole fruit on the pack.
• In the sweet cereal finger food category – 38 different types of fruit ingredients were used.
