This is how the sugar industry deceives consumers

A ZHAW study shows that reducing sugar does not necessarily lead to a change in taste.Image: Shutterstock

Kassenrutsch works on the subject of sugar. The SRF format wants to find out how much sugar is hidden in seemingly “healthy” products. These findings will amaze you.

Since 2015 and the so-called “Milan Declaration” launched by then-health minister Alain Berset, agreements have been reached with 24 companies to gradually reduce sugar in products such as yogurt and sweet drinks.

However, this agreement is voluntary. The goal is to reduce sugar content in various products by 10% to 20% within two to seven years.

The article criticized: “These companies are reducing sugar in a small percentage of their product ranges. But that's certainly not the case for bestsellers, and they don't want to change anything about them,” said consumer advocate Sarah Stalder (Sara Stalder) said.

The food industry defended itself against the accusation: “The industry has been working for many years to reduce sugar content in food. But this is A huge challenge because less sugar means less flavor. “

Less sugar? Flavors tend to remain unchanged

But is this really true? Does less sugar mean less flavor?

According to science, less sugar does not necessarily mean different tastes for consumers.

For example, a ZHAW study showed that sugar can be reduced to a certain extent without people noticing. It said: “Regarding the sugar reduction steps, it can be inferred from the research findings and phone interviews that it is possible to reduce sugar by 2% to 5% in one step without consumers noticing this sensoryally.”

The “no added sugar” label is also deceptive

Additionally, “Kassen Rush” examines products that contain large amounts of sugar and are still labeled “No Added Sugar.” This is also a gray area of legality.

For example, products such as Wander's Ovaltine contain a lot of sugar (100 grams contains 42 grams of sugar, from the ingredients malt extract and milk powder), but the packaging says “no added sugar”. In fact, the law only allows this label if no sugar is added. This also applies to additives designed to give the product a sweeter effect.

Ovaltine contains a lot of sugar, but the packaging says “no added sugar.” Image: Shutterstock

In the case of Ovaltine, Wander's position is that “malt extract is the primary flavoring ingredient,” which is why the recipe is allowed. Coop makes the same point about its product, Jamadu “Fruit and Herbal Tea” (7 grams of sugar per serving).

The conclusion of the article?

Not all products that give a “healthy” impression are good for consumers. You'll see this when you ask the following questions. Then you will find the solutions to the following questions.