Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Business
Mark Sweney

Christmas ads put on a diet as UK ban on TV junk food advertising bites

United Kingdom Waitrose Keira Knightley McDonald Asda Cadbury
Keira Knightley walks with Joe Wilkinson in the snow all wrapped up in scarves.
In a four-minute romantic comedy for Waitrose, Keira Knightley receives a home-baked pie from the comedian Joe Wilkinson. Photograph: Waitrose/PA

The festive season is traditionally a time of national culinary overindulgence but eagle-eyed viewers may have noticed that this year’s crop of big-budget Christmas TV ads have been decidedly lean and sugar-free.

From Tesco and Waitrose to Marks & Spencer and Asda, the UK’s biggest exponents of extravagant festive food marketing have put their Christmas ads on a diet to comply with new regulations banning junk food products from appearing in TV ads before 9pm.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
After Megan Fox Horrified Fans, Cameron Diaz Faces Scrutiny Over Her Looks As Comment About Aging Resurfaces
Cameron Diaz’s old Botox confession resurfaced after Megan Fox faced appearance-related criticism, prompting fresh online debate about cosmetic procedures and aging naturally.
Bored Panda
Bored Panda
Harvard’s $27.50 stained document was a rare Magna Carta original
Harvard Law School bought a stained and faded parchment in 1946 for just $27.50, believing it was an ordinary later copy of the Magna Carta. The document was catalogued as dating from 1327 and remained in the library for decades. Nearly 80 years later, medieval historians examining a digital image…
The Times of India
The Times of India
Former Black Midi frontman cancels US tour after sexual misconduct allegations
Flyers containing the accusations were handed out at show in Vancouver, Canada
The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Why Is There So Much Liquid in Packaged Chicken?
If you have ever opened a package of raw chicken and found a puddle of liquid inside, you are not alone. The amount can sometimes be surprising, especially when the chicken looks like it is sitting in water. However, that liquid does not necessarily mean the chicken is spoiled or…
Grocery Coupon Guide
Grocery Coupon Guide
LeBron James is everything Philadelphia wants. And everything it can’t stand
The city has embraced its new superstar with open arms, even as he choppers in from Manhattan and makes no secret of the fact that Philadelphia was never his first choice
The Guardian - US
The Guardian - US
Geordie Greep denies sexual assault allegations from stage in Vancouver
While some heard the former Black Midi frontman out, others made for the exit as he addressed accusations
The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.
Download on the AppStore Get it on Google Play