Deceptive Brands Jump On The Healthy Snacks Bandwagon – It’s Called Healthwashing

November 17, 2021: 12:00 AM EST

With obesity and diabetes at an all-time high, consumers in the COVID and post-COVID era are looking for healthier snacks. Because of this, “purposeful’ snacking” – for fuel, focus, or a protein boost, for example – will become even more mainstream. But as the demand for better-for-you snacks grows, so do the number of snacks that claim a “health halo.” Unfortunately, the nutrition in the snacks often doesn’t live up to the health claims, a phenomenon known as healthwashing. Many so-called “healthy” snacks are either packed with sugar – “many refined sugar-free snack bars/balls contain more sugar than a Kit Kat” – or they contain unhealthful ingredients hiding behind “low sugar’ claims.” Some deceptive brands positioned in the health space deliberately obscure warnings they are legally required to carry – a particular problem online.

Katy Askew, "'Healthwashing’ in snacks: ‘We need to protect and educate the public’", Food Navigator, November 17, 2021, © William Reed Business Media Ltd

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Deceptive Brands Jump On The Healthy Snacks Bandwagon – It’s Called Healthwashing

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