PepsiCo’s UK boss has urged the government “not to change the regulatory goalposts” for HFSS foods, after The Grocer revealed its plans to move to an updated nutrient profiling model.
Documents published by the DHSC earlier this month revealed ministers are planning to switch to an updated NPM, which would bring thousands of new products under the junk food advertising ban and clamp down on promotions in supermarkets.
The NPM was published in 2018, which was shelved by the last government because of the enormous impact its introduction would have on the food industry.
As reported by The Grocer earlier this month, Doritos’ entire portfolio, which was reformulated in October 2024 following a £13m investment into PepsiCo’s Coventry factory, would fall out of scope of the updated NPM.
Thousands of other fmcg products, including Belvita Soft Bakes, Kellogg’s Bran Flakes, Mr Kipling Delicious & Light and Innocent Orange With Bits, would also come under the bans.
“We’ve been transforming our portfolio for over two decades, creating great-tasting snacks that are lower in salt and fat, without ever compromising on the flavour and quality we are known for,” said Jason Richards, SVP & GM for PepsiCo UK & Ireland.
“In the last three years, we’ve really accelerated that work and are delighted to have far exceeded our health ambition as a result.”
“To continue to build on this progress, we need a policy landscape that encourages reformulation and innovation, which is why we urge the government not to change the regulatory goalposts that underpin public health restrictions.”
Richards’ plea coincides with PepsiCo’s announcement that it exceeded its target for 50% of its snacks sales to come from “healthier choices” by the end of 2025.
More than half (59%) of PepsiCo’s UK snacks sales now come from products that are non-HFSS or under 100 calories, thanks to a £35m investment into upgrades across its Coventry, Leicester, Lincoln and Skelmersdale sites.
Last year, PepsiCo tweaked the recipes of most of its core Walkers crisps seasonings, including Salt & Vinegar, Prawn Cocktail, Smoky Bacon, BBQ, Roast Chicken and Pickled Onion. The new recipes contain an average of 47% less salt than previous iterations.
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