Skip to content

Four global food giants still rely on unhealthy products, study finds

From breakfast cereals to snacks, major brands are hooked on junk food. Will investor pressure finally force a shift toward healthier options?

The image shows a graph depicting the increased BAA issuance across industry groups. The graph is...
The image shows a graph depicting the increased BAA issuance across industry groups. The graph is accompanied by text that provides further information about the data.

Four global food giants still rely on unhealthy products, study finds

A new analysis has revealed that four of the world’s largest food manufacturers depend too heavily on unhealthy products. The study examined 2,346 items from Danone, Kellogg’s, Kraft Heinz, Nestlé, and Unilever in Australia, France, and Mexico. Over 60% of these products were classified as unhealthy in each country.

The research, released today, builds on earlier UK findings from ShareAction and Action on Salt in July 2022. It found that 65% of products in Australia, 63% in France, and 60% in Mexico failed to meet health standards. Among the five companies, Danone stood out as the only one with a higher share of healthier options in all three markets.

Kellogg’s, Kraft Heinz, Nestlé, and Unilever performed poorly across the board. Investors have already raised concerns about this trend. In November 2022, a group managing $5 trillion in assets urged global food manufacturers to improve transparency and set clearer health targets. Holly Gabriel of ShareAction called for companies to disclose the proportion of healthier sales and commit to measurable goals. Mhairi Brown of WASSH added that boosting nutritional quality should be the top priority for these firms. Regulatory risks could grow if businesses do not shift away from unhealthy product lines.

The findings highlight a persistent reliance on unhealthy foods among major manufacturers. Investors and health advocates continue to push for better reporting and stronger commitments. Without changes, companies may face stricter regulations in key markets.

Read also:

Latest