We set out to find out the truth about the impact big food companies have on child health. Here’s what we found in two reports and what we plan to do about it…

1: Are food giants rigging the system against children’s health? 

2: Are food giants using child-appealing tactics responsibly?

For full details of methodology & manufacturer's response please see the Appendix: Report 1 and the Appendix: Report 2.

Turns out, the majority of the biggest food and drink manufacturers – 7 out of 10 to be exact – are reliant on selling unhealthy products in the UK.* This is at a time when nearly 1 in 3 children face an increased risk of food related illnesses in their futures. The numbers are staggering:

Proportion and estimated value sales from unhealthy food and drinks**

It’s clear that most of these companies are pumping out way too many unhealthy products. They’re filling the system with food and drinks that aren’t good for us and far too often, marketing them to kids (read on for more on how they do that!).

We’re calling on these companies to do better by our health by selling healthier food options and less junk food. We also want them to quit the sinister marketing ploys that target children with unhealthy products.

*Research conducted by the University of Oxford using 2022 Euromonitor data on packaged food and drink sales. Exclusions apply.

**Advertising spend is estimated based on Nielsen Ad Intel costing methodologies.

The Top Ten

So, how exactly do these companies show up on your supermarket shelves? Let’s take a look at the household brands they sell:

What sneaky tactics do these companies use to market unhealthy products to children?

Think of the cartoon characters that peer out at young children from supermarket shelves. Or the bright, colourful graphics -- the rainbows and the spaceships, the friendly frogs or the googly-eyed monsters.

Packaging is powerful, there’s no denying that. These companies like to dupe parents too with the free giveaways, the fun games, and the products that seem fun for children.

We took a look at the portfolios of the biggest global food companies operating in the UK and found 78% of their food products that use packaging to appeal to children are classed as unhealthy.***

***262 food products from the top 10 global food and drink companies operating in the UK were reviewed

Does all of this make you as angry as we are? Then join us and demand action from these companies.

For full details see Report 1, Report 2 and Appendix: Report 1 and Appendix: Report 2