Recipe for Change is a campaign calling for a new industry levy to make our food healthier, while raising revenue that can be invested into children’s health. We present new evidence here of the significant ranges of salt and sugar in similar snack products, showing the potential for further reformulation and the need for stronger measures beyond voluntary programmes to make this happen.

This briefing examines the UK’s voluntary salt and sugar reformulation programmes, highlighting the slow progress made so far. It points to the success of the Soft Drinks Industry Levy (SDIL), which has led to meaningful reformulation in soft drinks, unlike the voluntary programmes.

Drawing on new product analysis, the briefing explores several key food categories and shows the wide variation in salt and sugar levels within them, demonstrating the potential for further reformulation. It argues for extending the SDIL to food as a way to encourage faster reformulation, support healthier diets, and improve public health.

This briefing is aimed at policymakers and stakeholders interested in how a food levy could be designed to drive change.