pladis, the global snacking company behind brands including McVitie's, has pledged to double the volume of products it sells with improved nutritional profiles by 2030 as it steps up efforts to meet changing consumer demand for healthier snack options.
The company said products with lower levels of sugar, salt and saturated fat, and higher levels of nutrients such as fibre and protein, currently account for around 10 per cent of its sales volume. It aims to increase that figure to 20 per cent by the end of the decade through recipe reformulation, new product development and expanding successful ranges into more markets.
The target forms part of Happy People, Happy Planet, pladis' new global sustainability strategy.
The company said the move reflects growing consumer demand for snacks that support healthier lifestyles without compromising on taste.
"People don't buy biscuits and chocolate because they're looking for a lecture on nutrition – they buy them because they enjoy them. Great taste will always come first," said Dr Jennifer Moss, chief R&D officer at pladis.
"What is changing is that consumers increasingly want more choice. They want products that fit their lifestyles and wellbeing goals, but they still expect the same great taste.
"We believe the brands that succeed in the future will be the ones that can deliver both. That's why we're committed to giving consumers more options while continuing to provide the enjoyment that has always been at the heart of our brands."
To support the ambition, pladis has developed a new global nutrition framework to guide product development, reformulation and marketing across its portfolio.
The framework incorporates internationally recognised nutrition systems, including the UK's Nutrient Profile Model (HFSS), alongside France's Nutri-Score and Australia's Health Star Rating. It assesses both nutrients consumers are encouraged to consume more of, such as fibre and protein, and those many are seeking to reduce, including sugar, salt and saturated fat.
For UK retailers, the announcement builds on the company's ongoing reformulation work to align with changing consumer preferences and the UK's focus on healthier food choices. pladis said it has already removed 676 tonnes of sugar from recipes in the UK – equivalent to around 169 million teaspoons – while similar reformulation programmes have been rolled out in other international markets.