Tesco is launching an own-label cholesterol-lowering range next month.

The range will aim to offer a cheaper alternative to rival established cholesterol-lowering brands made by companies such as Unilever, Danone and Coca-Cola.

It is expected to include a spread, yoghurt drink, yoghurt and milk, and will contain a newly-launched plant sterol and stanol combination called Reducol, which is made by Canadian-based firm Forbes Medi-Tech.

Charles Butt, president and chief executive of Forbes, said: “Unlike other brands, Tesco will be able to launch a wide range of cholesterol-lowering food products under a single brand name.”

A Tesco spokeswoman added: “We’ve had so much interest in cholesterol-lowering foods that we decided to launch our own range.”

Meanwhile, a survey has found that Tesco accounts for more than £1 in every £6 spent on health and beauty products in the UK.

The survey, by Verdict, found that Tesco has a 17.7% share of the health and beauty market - up from 12.9% five years ago.

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