If you have visited a supermarket recently, you may have noticed changes to where certain products are displayed. Sweets, crisps and sugary drinks are no longer greeting you at the checkout or filling prime shelf space at the end of aisles. These shifts are not a coincidence. They are the result of the UK government's HFSS regulations, designed to help us all make healthier choices without even realising it.
What Does HFSS Mean and Why Does It Matter?
HFSS stands for High Fat, Sugar and Salt. It is a classification used by the UK government to identify foods and drinks that are considered less healthy based on their nutritional profile. Products are scored using the nutrient profiling model, which weighs up energy, saturated fat, sugar and salt content against beneficial elements such as fibre, protein and fruit or vegetable content. If a product scores above a certain threshold, it is classed as HFSS. This matters because diets high in fat, sugar and salt are major contributors to obesity, heart disease, type 2 diabetes and other chronic conditions. By identifying these products clearly, the government aims to reduce overconsumption and improve public health outcomes across the country.
The regulations were introduced as part of a broader strategy to tackle rising obesity levels, particularly among children. Under the new rules, HFSS products can no longer be placed in prominent locations within stores, such as at checkouts, store entrances or at the end of aisles. Volume promotions like "buy one get one free" on HFSS items in physical stores have also been restricted. Online retailers face similar rules around the visibility and promotion of these products on their platforms.
How These Rules Affect Your Weekly Shop
For many shoppers, the changes are subtle but significant. Without HFSS products dominating high-traffic areas of the store, you are less likely to make impulse purchases of unhealthy snacks. Research consistently shows that product placement has a powerful influence on what we buy. When healthier options occupy those prime positions instead, it becomes easier to fill your trolley with foods that genuinely nourish you. The regulations also affect food advertising, with restrictions on television adverts for HFSS products before the nine o'clock watershed and limits on paid-for online advertising of these items.
These changes are particularly important when it comes to childhood obesity. Children are especially susceptible to food marketing, and reducing their exposure to advertisements for unhealthy foods is a key part of the government's strategy. Early evidence suggests that shifting the food environment in this way can have a meaningful impact on dietary habits at a population level. When healthy choices become the default rather than the exception, everyone benefits.
Making the Most of These Changes as a Consumer
You can use the HFSS regulations to your advantage by becoming more aware of what you are buying and why. Take a moment to read the nutritional labels on the products in your basket. Understanding what makes a food HFSS can help you make more informed decisions and spot healthier alternatives. For more guidance on reading food packaging, have a look at our article on understanding food labels. Small swaps, such as choosing unsalted nuts over crisps or swapping a sugary cereal for porridge with fresh fruit, can add up to a significant improvement in your overall diet.
Planning your meals and writing a shopping list before you head to the supermarket is another powerful strategy. When you shop with intention, you are less likely to be swayed by promotions or convenience. Focus on filling your basket with whole foods, vegetables, lean proteins and wholegrains. If you are looking for inspiration on healthier snack options, our guide to healthy snacking made easy is a great place to start.
If you would like personalised support in navigating these changes and building a healthier relationship with food, I would love to help. As a registered nutritionist, I work with clients to create practical, sustainable plans that fit around real life. Get in touch to book a consultation and take the next step towards feeling your best.