<\/span>The NPM is a tool that determines what are \u2018less healthy\u2019 foods and drinks by calculating the balance of beneficial nutrients against less beneficial ones per 100 grams of a product.\u00a0<\/p>\nIn the UK, foods that fail these thresholds are often referred to as High in Fat, Salt, or Sugar (HFSS).\u00a0<\/p>\n
Which? also found that some snacks with a ‘health halo’ (marketed with ingredients like lentils, quinoa, or vegetables) still failed the NPM.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Researchers found some of these products relied heavily on salt to make them more palatable, compromising their nutritional value.<\/p>\n
Among the worst, Proper Chips Lentil Chips\u00a0Barbecue only scored 36 out of 100 \u2013 joint second worst with Skips and Wotsits Really Cheesy.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Despite the brand’s claim on its website that its snacks are ‘not just better for you, but better than anything,’ they have high salt levels (2.55g per 100g), which gives it a large number of ‘negative’ points in the NPM.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Although lentil flour makes up just over a quarter of this product, contributing to its decent protein levels, the fibre is extremely low (0.7g \u2013 the lowest of the dataset), meaning the protein benefits are not enough to offset the high salt and 4.5g of sugar per 100g.<\/p>\n
Pom\u2013Bear Original, another common lunchbox item and children’s party snack, received an NPM of 54.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Which? found these crisps offer minimal nutritional benefit beyond simple calories, containing virtually no fibre (0.8g).\u00a0<\/p>\n
They are high in calories and are further penalised for their salt content, which is 1.3g per 100g or 0.17g in a 13g bag (classed as medium or amber).<\/p>\n
Also among the famous crisps failing Which?’s NPM audit were Skips, Cheesy Wotsits, Frazzles, Quavers Cheesy, Monster Munch roast beef, sweet and spicy, McCoy\u2019s salt & malt vinegar ridge cut and Hula Hoops Original Salted.<\/p>\n
Walkers Sensations scored surprisingly well in multiple flavours including balsamic vinegar and caramelised onion and the Thai sweet chilli.<\/span><\/p>\nShefalee Loth, a nutritionist at Which?, said: ‘We all know crisps aren’t the healthiest snack, but our audit shows some can be a much healthier option than others.\u00a0<\/p>\n
‘However, it is concerning to see that many childhood favourites are actually some of the least healthy options on the shelf.<\/p>\n
‘With half\u2013term and summer holidays coming up, it’s easy to be misled by a ‘health halo’ on packaging when you’re just trying to grab a quick snack on a day out.\u00a0<\/p>\n
‘Look for the front\u2013of\u2013pack traffic light labels to easily spot the healthier greens and ambers over the high\u2013salt and high\u2013fat reds.<\/p>\n
‘However, because this system is currently voluntary, shoppers are left completely in the dark on far too many products.\u00a0<\/p>\n
‘We are calling on the government to update the scheme so it is simpler and make front\u2013of\u2013pack traffic light labelling mandatory across all food and drink products.\u00a0<\/p>\n
‘Consumers shouldn’t need a degree in nutrition just to understand what’s in their shopping basket; we need a compulsory system so everyone can see exactly what they are buying.’<\/p>\n
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