The FSS research found the average calories within cakes, doughnuts, biscuits, sweet pastries, sweet scones and waffles, from out of home outlets such as coffee shops, bakeries and cafes, to be over 450, with the highest products reaching over 1,600 calories. Around 85% of the 663 products found contained more than 325 calories.
In a bid to reduce this high calorie intake, the RFH programme, which is funded by Scottish Government, supports food and drink manufacturers to make changes which support improvements to the diet. The RFH programme has already removed tonnes of salt and millions of calories from the Scottish diet.
As a Reformul8 partner, FSS will promote reformulation in Scotland through their website and social media, and signpost food manufacturers and suppliers to the Reformulation for Health programme.
Laura Wilson, senior public health nutrition advisor with FSS, said: “Our findings show a really concerning number of products extremely high in calories, being bought very frequently when away from home and on the go. Our Reformul8 partnership pledge shows our support for industry to tackle this.
“More than three quarters of the products we looked at have more than 325 calories. There is a huge scope for reducing both calories and portion size of many of these items which will help everyone have better options and choices when eating out and on the go.”