Three-quarters of "healthy" children's snacks and drinks do not respond to claims five times a day

One study found that three out of four cereals, fruit juices and "healthy" children's cooked meals did not meet their expectations.

Researchers found that products containing too few fruits, setting unrealistic portion sizes, or failing to specify essential nutrition information in an badysis of 323 products for children.

The products, which use cartoon mascots, colorful packaging and toys to enhance their appeal, also carry a range of "confusing" health claims that can give a false impression of their nutritional value.

Researchers at the University of Glasgow commonly use the "health halo" effect to hide high-sugar products.

"Prepackaged foods for children can be consumed as part of a" balanced and healthy "diet, but their health and nutrition claims remain questionable," they added.

In total, 41% of products intended for children were deemed "unhealthy" by nutritional standards set by Ofcom and child health experts warned that a "sneaky packaging" could be in the air. 39, origin of high rates of obesity in children in the United Kingdom.

The results, published in the journal Archives of childhood diseases, found a whole range of health claims to make you feel nutritious.

These included references to "health" or "balanced diet", high fiber content, whole fiber or containing micronutrients such as iron or calcium.

Of the 42% of products claiming to contain at least one serving of fruit or vegetables – 80 g for adults – 75% did not match the amount specified in the tests.

There is no regulated "five per day" portion for children, but for the purpose of the study, the researchers set the portion at 40 g and found that 62% of the products were still responding. not to this criterion.

These claims were particularly common for fruit-based drinks and snacks, many of which also claimed to contain "no added sugar," but still contained large amounts of mashed or concentrated fruit juice.

"Processed fruits are perceived by the public as a healthy natural alternative to added sugars," the researchers said.

But as they have been processed and fiber and other benefits have been removed, the researcher suggests that "they have potentially the same negative effect on weight gain as other forms of sugars."

In light of their findings, the authors stated: "Strict regulation of product composition, food labeling and marketing techniques is necessary to discourage the promotion of foods that may be considered obese."

Last year, the government had recommended that parents limit children to two snacks a day, but that might not go far enough if the packaging claims are misleading.

Dr. Max Davie, of the Royal College of Pediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH), said: "Given the rising rate of childhood obesity in the UK, it is essential that parents and children know exactly what products they consume and manipulative marketing campaigns. This study reveals disturbing results, particularly the disappointing levels of fruits and vegetables in products claiming to contain at least a portion of the government's recommended five-times-daily dose.

"It is clear that food packaging is underproving the influence of families and we strongly support the call of researchers for stricter regulation in composition and labeling."