In today’s health-conscious world, yoghurt and kefir are often hailed as gut-friendly heroes. But with new government guidelines coming into play, some of your favourite products might soon be classed as “junk food”. Surprised? You’re not alone. Let’s explore how added sugars can sneak into these foods and what you can do to make better choices.
Spoiler alert, Chuckling Goat Kefir is not on the offender list. Our kefir is, always has been and ALWAYS WILL be, free of added sugars, artificial sweeteners, and unnecessary extras.
New government guidelines: what’s changing?
Under the UK’s updated rules targeting foods high in fat, sugar, and salt (HFSS), some yoghurts and kefir products could face advertising restrictions. These guidelines are part of the effort to reduce childhood obesity and encourage healthier eating habits.1https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/restricting-promotions-of-products-high-in-fat-sugar-or-salt-by-location-and-by-volume-price/restricting-promotions-of-products-high-in-fat-sugar-or-salt-by-location-and-by-volume-price-implementation-guidance Hear, hear!!
Here’s the catch, only products with added sugars are affected. Naturally occurring sugars, like lactose in milk, aren’t the problem – added sugars are. They ramp up the sugar content, turning what should be a healthy option into a less-than-ideal choice.
Added vs natural sugars
Not all sugars are created equal. Natural sugars found in milk, like lactose, are encased within cell walls and break down slowly, making them less likely to spike your blood sugar. Added sugars are a different story. Found in flavoured yoghurts and sweetened kefir drinks, these sugars bypass the slow-release system. This causes a sugar surge and leaves you reaching for another snack (sound familiar?). That’s why products with added sugars will be impacted by the new HFSS guidelines, while plain versions stay on the “good” list.
Chuckling Goat Kefir for the win!
At Chuckling Goat, we’re ahead of the game 😉. Our kefir proudly contains no added sugars, artificial sweeteners, or unnecessary extras. It’s simply milk and live kefir cultures, fermented to create a tangy, gut-loving drink packed with natural probiotics and postbiotics. Unlike some sweetened alternatives, Chuckling Goat Kefir meets the HFSS standards, making it a choice you can feel good about.
The good news doesn’t end there! A cutting-edge study from Cardiff University demonstrated exactly what our Chuckling Goat synbiotic (that’s our Kefir + our Complete Prebiotic) can do for your health. Check it out here, Science backs Chuckling Goat’s synbiotic.
What to look for on labels
When shopping for fermented dairy products, always check the label. Look for:
- No added sugars: Avoid products with added sugar, sweeteners or syrups listed in the ingredients. At Chuckling Goat, we add no flavourings or sweeteners, which can harm the beneficial bacteria.
- Minimal ingredients: Fewer ingredients often mean a cleaner, healthier product. We add no chemicals or unnecessary extras.
- Natural probiotics: Live cultures should be the star of the show, not sugar, powders, or flavourings. We ferment our kefir with live grains, not powdered sachet starter. This makes it exponentially stronger.
- Choice of dairy: We use goat’s dairy instead of cow’s dairy in Chuckling Goat Kefir. It’s naturally easier to digest, gentler on the gut, and more compatible with human biology.
How to enjoy kefir if you’ve got a sweet tooth
Plain kefir or yoghurt is the gold standard for gut health. Many people find that they become accustomed to the taste and even begin to crave it over time. This shift happens as your gut health improves and you cut back on sugary foods. In the meantime, here are some tips:
- Add fresh fruit like berries, bananas, or kiwi for a burst of natural sweetness.
- Sprinkle or blend in seeds or nuts for crunch and extra fibre.
- Drizzle a tiny amount of honey if you need a touch of sweetness – less is more!
- Try this Blueberry muffin SYNBIOTIC smoothie! or one of our many other smoothie recipes!
- Check out Struggling with the taste of kefir? Try this! and Why Does Good Kefir Taste So Sour? And Why You Should Drink It Anyway!
These new guidelines are a step in the right direction, encouraging people to make better food choices. The next time you’re shopping, think twice about what’s in the product. With Chuckling Goat Kefir, you can skip the sugar and savour the gut benefits instead.
Check out Original Kefir or Kefir Light – which one will you choose?!
Any questions? Contact one of our Nutritional Therapists via live chat, weekdays from 8 am to 8 pm.
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