Low-sugar product sales are growing, research has found

AUSTRALIANS are reducing sugar from their diets and choosing healthier snacks and drinks, according to new shopping habits research.

AUSTRALIANS are reducing sugar from their diets and choosing healthier snacks and drinks, according to new shopping habits research.

Grocery sales of overly sweet biscuits, spreads, dips, milk flavourings and yoghurt are shrinking as more low-sugar versions instead land in trolleys, a review has found.

The shift was tracked by combined Nielsen and The George Institute research matching nutritional details on product labels with sales information for the first time.

Nielsen director of food analytics Sarah McKee said health education and the availability of more wholesome alternatives was changing purchasing patterns.

“The search for low sugar is a new mainstream behaviour,” Ms McKee said.

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Australians are increasingly searching for low sugar options. Picture: David Caird

Almost three in 10 Australians were “very concerned” about sugar consumption, she said.

Most worried were people aged 55 or older; singles; and couples without children.

Excessive sugar contributes to risks such as weight gain and tooth decay, health experts warn.

The snapshot analysis found spending on high-sugar biscuits and spreads fell 9 per cent in the year to December.

Dollar sales for high-sugar dairy dips, yoghurt, snacks such as muesli bars, and milk flavours such as chocolate powders, declined 3-7 per cent depending on category.

Over the same period, sales for low-sugar alternatives rose 3-6 per cent.

Separate Nielsen research has found annual carbonated soft drink sales are down 0.5 per cent compared with three years ago.

Alternatives such as bottled water, the tea-based fermented drink kombucha, and chilled juice are swallowing more market share.

Carbonated soft drink sales have declined according to Nielsen. Picture: Dan Kitwood/Getty Images

“As shoppers become more health conscious there are opportunities for both retailers and manufacturers to capitalise,” Ms McKee said.

“Expanding product ranges to include low sugar or no sugar alternative offerings will open brands and categories to new buyers and also help retain shoppers that are looking to make a switch.”

Public health campaigners have repeatedly recommended a sugary drinks tax, similar to that introduced in the United Kingdom.

Leading food and drink makers recently responding to calls to do more to fight obesity noted that they offered choice, and reformulated products.

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@KarenCollierHS