Tax on sweet snacks could have a greater impact on sugar consumption

The London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, along with the Universities of Cambridge and Oxford, have estimated that adding a 10% sugar tax on chocolate, confectionery, cakes and biscuits could reduce purchases by around 7%.
“It’s impossible to study the direct effects of a tax on snack food on consumer behaviour until such policies are introduced, but these estimates show the likely impact of changes in the price,” Susan Jebb, a professor from the University of Oxford, said “These snacks are high in sugar but often high in fat too and very energy dense, so their consumption can increase the risk of obesity. This research suggests that extending fiscal policies to include sweet snacks could be an important boost to public health, by reducing purchasing and hence consumption of these foods, particularly in low-income households.”
Action on Sugar have been pushing for a tax on sugar but have also been pushing for a ban on price promotions on confectionary products. Many of the sharing bags that are heavily promoted in supermarkets contain almost a day’s recommended daily sugar intake for seven – ten year olds.
Nutritionist research at Action on Sugar Kawther Hashem said “Companies and supermarkets are constantly finding ways to push more sugary products – which are contributing to the high rates of obesity, type two diabetes and tooth decay in the UK. These types of price promotions encourage us to eat far too much sugar and calories and should be banned.”