The annual list released by the Consumer NZ highlights food producers and manufacturers who use misleading claims to get consumers to buy their products. Consumer NZ chief executive Sue Chetwin said that this year’s list included foods that marketed their products as a healthier alternative even though they contain spoonful’s of sugar. Check them out below:
Tegal, Inghams and Pams “Cage Free” Chickens
While Cage Free claims would usually put a consumer at ease and lead them to believe that a chicken is out roaming free, in the case of the above culprits Consumer NZ said the claims are meaningless as the chicken never leaves the shed.
Bounce Cacao Mint Protein Energy Ball
On packet, claims state that the energy balls are nutritious and balanced with no refined sugar. However, instead of refined sugar Bounce has used rice syrup and grape juice, making each ball 22.8% sugar.
Fresh ‘n Fruity Berries Galore yoghurt
Sugar is the second largest ingredient found in these pots of yoghurt and while the berries may look big most pots actually only contain 1% to 9% berries.
Baby Mum-Mum First Rice Rusks
While the packaging shows vegetable-laden rice husks, these “wholesome, nutritious” rice snacks contain only 1.36% vegetable.
E2
Labelled as “a fruit flavoured drink combined with vitamins and minerals to give consumers a delicious fruity blast”, Coca-Cola’s E2 contains 20 teaspoons of sugar (78g).
Simply Squeezed Super Juice Warrior
Marketed as a good source of vitamin C for immune support, consumers would be better off eating an orange. According to Consumer NZ the drinks boasts seven teaspoons of sugar.
Nestle Nesquik
While the cereal claims to be a source of fibre that contains zinc, calcium and iron “to help kids’ normal growth and development”, the cereal is also 30% sugar.
Nature Valley Crunchy Oats & Honey snack bars
The packaging states that these muesli bars are “packed with natural whole grain oats and real honey.” However, sugar is the second largest ingredient with three teaspoons in every individual bar.
