
Whether it’s a chocolate bar, a pack of gummy bears, or an ice lolly after school, children love sweets and it can be hard to avoid them - especially when they dominate supermarket shelves. But how healthy are these shop-bought treats, and is there such a thing as a healthier alternative?
Gone are the days of simply counting calories and watching how much fat you consume when indulging in your favourite chocolate bar, nowadays it's all about whether the food is ultra-processed or not, or whether it's packed with hidden sugars, e-numbers and additives. But, what are ultra-processed foods and why do we need to be aware of them alongside sugar and fat?