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 Under pressure from governments and health advocacy groups in recent
years, chocolate companies including Mondelez and Nestle <NESN.S>
have raced to develop products with less sugar, in smaller pack
sizes and with prominent portion suggestions.
But sugar content in many products is still relatively high against
the World Health Organization’s (WHO) suggestion that people should
only consume 50 grams of total sugars each day.
The online survey of 6,068 adults in 12 countries by the Harris Poll
for Mondelez showed that 80% of consumers were looking for healthy,
balanced snacks, although the same percentage was also still keen on
indulgence.
"We know consumers want options which is why we offer a range of
products that taste great from wholesome to indulgent," Chris
McGrath, vice president and chief of global impact, sustainability
and wellbeing, told Reuters.
"Consumers appreciate choice and the majority agree there is a time
and a place for healthier snacks and a time and a place for
indulgent ones," she said. "There is room for both and we see that
as a growth opportunity for us."
In July, Mondelez launched a version of its popular Cadbury Dairy
Milk with 30% less sugar in Britain, which McGrath said was selling
well and was being extended into India.
The bar still has about 39 grams of sugar per 100g, with six squares
accounting for nearly 16% of the WHO daily recommendation.
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Mondelez lifted its 2019 sales forecast last month after reporting a
1.1% rise in third-quarter revenue, driven by higher demand in
emerging markets where it has been investing heavily.
It sells a thin version of its Oreo cookies with a third less sugar
and a thinner, crispier version of Ritz crackers, which it markets
as a healthier option to potato chips.
The Mondelez survey showed 6 in 10 people prefer to eat many small
meals rather than a few large ones, with the trend toward snacking
even stronger among younger consumers.
"We know consumers are on the go more and more and snacking delivers
on the convenience they seek," McGrath said.
Mondelez has pledged to put 20% of its products in
portion-controlled packs of 200 calories or less by 2025, from more
than 15% now, and has also been encouraging customers to snack in a
more "mindful" way, savoring each mouthful.
To that end, it has given advice to nutritionists and health care
professionals on promoting "mindful eating", such as putting a
portion in a bowl, not eating while also looking at a screen, and
eating with your non-dominant hand.
(Reporting by Emma Thomasson and Richa Naidu; Editing by Mark
Potter)
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