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British manufacturers cut sugar, salt, and calories by a third

While British manufacturers are making significant efforts to cut sugar, salt, and calories from products, the UK’s upcoming food strategy presents a welcome chance for further change, experts argue.

Research from the Food and Drink Federation (FDF), a representative organisation for the food and drink manufacturing industry, reveals that its members’ products have almost a third less salt (31%) and sugar (30%), and a quarter (24%) fewer calories, compared to 10 years ago.

“Companies have made major progress in slashing the calories, salt, and sugar in everyday food and drink – making the food people love better for them, alongside hugely expanding the range of healthy options,” said Karen Betts, chief executive of FDF.

Busy lifestyles drive demand for balance, variety, and investment

In its 2025 progress report, Shaping a Healthier Future Through Food and Drink, FDF conveyed how manufacturers are modifying their formulations.

These modifications come as a direct response to calls from consumers and regulatory bodies for nutritional products that support balanced and varied diets, and busy lifestyles.

“Food and drink manufacturers are playing a quiet but vital role in helping people achieve balanced diets amid the pressures of busy lives,” Betts explained.

Looking at the UK’s food and drink sector compared to a decade ago, Kantar Worldpanel said its figures indicate that manufacturers’ efforts to reduce salt, sugar, and calories from consumers' diets are demonstrated in products’ nutritional credentials.

Amid this significant slash in salt, sugar, and calorie content, investment is not slowing down. In 2024, FDF’s State of Industry Survey data showed that producers invested around £180 million in developing healthier food and drink products. The financial focus on healthier product innovation amounts to 50 to 60% of the food and drink industry spend.

New product development (NPD) in the healthier alternatives space include reformulating existing recipes to decrease the amount of sugar, calories, and salt contained within; creating new healthier product launches; and modifying portion sizes.

Coordination and consistency are needed for change

However, addressing consumers’ dietary and lifestyle needs requires an increased focus on collaboration.

“Tackling poor diets and lifestyles is a complex issue and needs a more joined-up approach,” said Betts.

Now, looking ahead to future R&D pipelines for healthier food and drink alternatives, FDF is calling on the British government to incentivise further progress in the space.

“We’re calling on the government today to work in a more structured partnership with the entire food industry to deliver change,” Betts added.

The organisation is asking for bold, coordinated, and consistent action on policies related to healthy diets throughout the food system. Achieving continuity in this way ensures consumers can access consistent and clear information that supports them in making healthier food and drink choices.

Furthermore, FDF is urging R&D and science support to help advance scientific research and sustain investment to grow healthier food and drink production. The FDF’s Q12025 State of Industry report reveals that 41% of food and drink manufacturers are planning to scale back their investments as they struggle with growing production costs and regulatory pressures. Recommended actions include strengthening existing R&D credits, grants, and capital allowance schemes.

FDF also wants to see more support for small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) in producing healthier products. The organisation draws on the Scottish government’s Reformulation for Health programme, which launched its Healthier Food Service Fund in December 2024.

FDF states that a £4 million fund would help mitigate manufacturers’ costs and provide an accessible network of knowledge and advice, improving SMEs’ ability to progress their healthier product manufacturing plans.

UK’s food strategy presents a prime opportunity

The UK government is currently working with the food and drink sector to devise its food strategy.

Headed up by its Food Strategy Advisory Board, the strategy is designed to improve the country’s food system by providing more easily accessible and affordable healthy food, building resilience to maintain food security, and lowering the impact of farming and food production on nature, biodiversity, and climate.

FDF sees the UK’s upcoming strategy as a clear opportunity to achieve its call for change with health policies that support the industry to go further and are consistent across existing regulations and the entire supply chain.

“Rethinking this challenge, with holistic and coordinated action, will help us truly move the needle on this critical health challenge,” Betts said.