Albert Heijn reducing sugar in own-brand products

Albert Heijn, Zaandam, the Netherlands, said it is reducing the sugar in more than 100 of its own-brand products by 10 to 40 per cent by the end of 2016. Such products include yoghurt, custard, ketchup and sugar cookies, as well as new products such as Albert Heijn Greek yoghurt for children.

The retailer also said is introducing the at-shelf Fresh Pointer information system in August to give customers at-a-glance details as to the calorie count and sugar levels in soda. The system uses colours ranging from yellow (no sugar) to dark orange (high in sugar). Customers will also be able to quickly see whether the beverage is sweetened with sugar, artificial sweeteners or alternate sweetening agents of natural origin.