In the US, Nestlé has announced that it will reduce the amount of added sugar in its Nesquik flavoured milk powders as part of its continuing “commitment to nutrition, health and wellness”.
From this month, the amount of sugar in the chocolate and strawberry varieties will be brought down to 10.6g in every two tablespooons, representing a reduction of 15% and 27% respectively. Both products will also be stripped of existing artificial colours and flavours. The brand has replaced sugar with cocoa and other natural flavours, and the artificial colours used in the strawberry powder are out in favour of beet juice powder.
The changes, to be reflected by a “graphic burst on-pack”, will also apply to Nesquik’s ready-to-drink beverage range. The amount of total sugars will be 22g per 8oz serving, made up of 10.6g of added sugar and 11.4g of naturally occurring lactose.
Nestlé has been working on the reformulation over the last 18 months, conducting “extensive consumer testing to ensure that the new, less-added-sugar recipe maintains the same great taste that consumers expect”.
Nestlé USA’s president of the Nestlé Beverage Division Rob Case said: “Nesquik has been one of America’s favourite beverages for more than 50 years and is the category leader for flavoured powders mixed with milk. Given our market leadership, Nestlé and Nesquik have sought to create even more nutritious and great-tasting options for our consumers. Guided by Nestlé’s strict nutrition criteria as well as consumer desires, we’ve begun this journey by reducing sugar across our Nesquik portfolio. We’ve earned our consumers’ vote by leading in great taste, on which we won’t compromise, and enhanced it further by continuous nutrition improvements over time.”
© FoodBev Media Ltd 2024