Scotland has introduced sweeping new regulations aimed at curbing the promotion and placement of food and drinks high in fat, sugar, and salt. The measures target businesses with more than 50 employees, including supermarkets, high street retailers, petrol stations, garden centres, restaurants, and pharmacies.
Under the new rules, these items can no longer be displayed in high-traffic areas such as store entrances, checkouts, aisle ends, or designated queuing zones. Furthermore, retailers are banned from using multi-buy promotions for these products, including offers such as “three for the price of two,” “three for £10,” or “buy five and save 20%.” Loyalty point bonuses and “free item” promotions, such as gifting a chocolate bar with a newspaper purchase, are also prohibited. Notably, “dine for two” offers and standard meal deals remain exempt, though the individual products within those deals must still adhere to the new restricted placement guidelines. There are no restrictions on discounts such as half-price or “save £1”.
Categories of restricted products
- BeveragesDrinks with added sugar, such as soda, lemonade, energy drinks, squash, chocolate milk, almond milk, ready-made coffee, kombucha, and hot chocolate.
- SnacksSavory items like crisps and tortilla chips, including seaweed-based or lentil-based varieties.
- Breakfast FoodsMuesli, granola, and various oat-based cereals.
- Convenience FoodsReady meals, pre-made pizzas, chips, roast potatoes, chicken nuggets, fish fingers, and filled pasta products like ravioli or tortellini.
- Confectionery and DessertsChocolate, popcorn, sweets, chewing gum, ice cream, sorbets, ice lollies, custard, jelly, crumbles, and sponge cakes.
- Bakery ItemsScones, biscuits, cereal bars, flapjacks, doughnuts, and Danish pastries.
- DairySweetened Greek-style, drinking, probiotic, and children’s yoghurts.
Public Health Minister Maree Todd noted that two out of three Scottish adults are currently overweight or obese, with those living in the most deprived areas facing the highest risks. Todd stated that prominent placement and frequent promotions often drive impulse buying and over-consumption of unhealthy items. By restricting these displays and offers, the government aims to facilitate healthier dietary choices and improve long-term public health and well-being.
These changes align Scotland with similar policies already established elsewhere in the UK. England prohibited price and multi-buy promotions on less healthy items in October 2025, while Wales implemented its own restrictions for medium and large retailers in March. Additionally, broader UK-wide limits on junk food advertising were introduced in January.
Key Job Details
- If thereâs enough sugar, salt or fat packed into it, the short answer is: a lot.
- However, any foods identified in the rules, whether part of a meal deal or not, cannot be placed in the restricted locations, such as supermarket entrances.
