Valio reduces sugar in children’s snacks

05-Feb-2016 - Last updated on 05-Feb-2016 at 14:54 GMT

Valio has introduced new sugar-reduced yogurts and yogurt puddings following a customer survey

Following the results of a customer survey on sugar, which received almost 3,000 responses, Finnish dairy company Valio has introduced new yogurt and yogurt puddings, aimed at children, with less sugar content.

“When we asked consumers what snacks should contain less sugar, the answers were clear: The sugar content of children’s snacks should be especially addressed. According to Finns, children need not become accustomed to a sweet taste. Consumers find that many snack products for children contain too much sugar,” said Jussi Mattson, category manager at Valio.

Debates on sugar are increasing in Finland and elsewhere. Food recommendations for families with children, published in January, point out that sugar should be reduced, mentioning flavored yogurt as a significant source of added sugar in the diet of children.

The World Health Organization recommends that no more than 10% of daily energy intake should be from added sugar.

Products are lactose-free

The new Valio Play yogurt puddings contain 30% less added sugar compared to regular puddings. The amount of added sugar in the range’s yogurt has been reduced by 40% compared to conventional children’s yogurt.

“Children and teenagers themselves are the key to the inspiring flavor of the new snacks. They have contributed to the development of yogurt and yogurt pudding,” said Hanna Savolainen, marketing manager at Valio.

The pudding flavors are strawberry, pear and banana. Valio Play yoghurt flavors are strawberry, raspberry, banana and pear.

The new snacks are lactose-free and contain lactic acid bacteria, and vitamin D.