It turns out that some of the most common go-to snacks in the UK—like popcorn, crisps, and nuts—are packed with way more salt and sugar than expected.
A recent study has revealed that nearly nine out of ten ready-to-eat popcorn products would be classified as “less healthy” under new government regulations.
This means that once stricter advertising rules kick in later this year, many of these snacks won’t be allowed to appear on TV before 9 p.m. or be promoted online at all.
The push for these new rules is part of a broader effort to combat rising obesity rates, especially among children.
Researchers from Action on Salt and Sugar at Queen Mary University of London analyzed over 1,200 snack products and found that an alarming percentage contained excessive amounts of salt and sugar—far beyond what’s considered healthy.
The Real Culprits: Excessive Salt and Sugar
Many people assume that popcorn is a relatively healthy snack, but the study paints a different picture.
More than a quarter (27%) of ready-to-eat popcorn options exceed the government’s voluntary maximum salt targets.
In fact, some are even saltier than a packet of cheese and onion crisps!
Sugar levels aren’t any better. A shocking 42% of popcorn products tested would receive a red warning label for total sugar content.
One of the worst offenders? Morrisons Market Street Toffee Flavour Popcorn, which contains a staggering 59.1 grams of sugar per 100 grams.
That’s equivalent to more than seven teaspoons of sugar in a single serving—well over a child’s maximum daily limit.
Crisps and nuts aren’t much healthier either. About one in three crisp products would require a red salt warning label.
Some, like Eat Real Lentil Chips Chilli & Lemon, contain 3.6 grams of salt per 100 grams—making them saltier than seawater! Flavoured nuts are another hidden source of excessive salt, with products like Boundless Sweet Chilli Nuts & Seeds Boost containing over double the government’s salt target.
Why This Matters for Public Health
Health experts warn that consuming too much salt can increase blood pressure, which in turn raises the risk of strokes, heart disease, and kidney problems.
Meanwhile, excessive sugar intake fuels obesity, a condition linked to heart disease, type-2 diabetes, and even certain cancers.
Dr. Pauline Swift from Blood Pressure UK stresses that cutting back on salt isn’t just a recommendation—it’s a necessity.
“Excess salt, often hidden in everyday foods, is a major contributor to life-threatening conditions. Without urgent action, we are putting lives at risk,” she says.
Are Food Companies Doing Enough?
Campaigners argue that while some food manufacturers have made efforts to reduce salt and sugar, many still aren’t doing enough.
Sonia Pombo, head of research at Action on Salt, points out that voluntary measures have largely failed.
“Some brands have shown it’s possible to make healthier snacks, but most aren’t taking responsibility.
It’s time for the government to step in with mandatory regulations and enforcement.”
Only eight companies have fully met the government’s salt reduction targets, while others continue to lag behind.
Some experts believe that stronger incentives—or penalties—are needed to push brands into action.
Government and Industry Response
The UK government has acknowledged the growing health crisis and introduced measures to restrict junk food advertising aimed at children.
A spokesperson from the Department of Health and Social Care stated, “Obesity takes a huge toll on children’s health and puts strain on the NHS.
We are taking steps to curb unhealthy food marketing as part of our long-term strategy to promote healthier lifestyles.”
However, the food industry argues that they’ve already made significant progress.
The Food and Drink Federation reports that in 2023 alone, companies invested over £160 million to create healthier product options.
“Our members have already reduced salt by a third, sugar by a quarter, and calories by a quarter compared to a decade ago,” a spokesperson said.
What’s Next?
Public health experts believe more needs to be done to prevent long-term health issues.
Tam Fry from the National Obesity Forum suggests that the UK should adopt stricter measures—like Japan’s policy of annual weight monitoring.
“Yearly measurements could help identify health risks early and prevent conditions like diabetes and heart disease before they develop,” he says.
The debate over how to tackle the UK’s “hidden salt and sugar crisis” continues, but one thing is clear—many of the snacks we consider harmless treats might not be as innocent as they seem.
Whether through government action or industry reform, the push for healthier options is gaining momentum.