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What are HFSS foods and why are they bad for you?

You may have seen the term HFSS popping up more and more - on food packaging, in school communications, or in headlines about advertising restrictions. But what does it actually mean, and why has it become such a big deal?

In simple terms, HFSS foods are those that are high in fat, salt and sugar. They tend to be ultra-processed, low in nutritional value, and easy to overconsume. While there’s nothing wrong with enjoying these foods occasionally, a diet that relies on them too heavily can cause problems over time - particularly for children.

Let’s break it down.

What does HFSS stand for?

HFSS is a classification used by the UK government and public health bodies. It stands for:

  • High in Fat

  • High in Salt

  • High in Sugar

Foods are assessed using a nutrient profiling model that looks at:

  • Calories

  • Saturated fat

  • Sugar

  • Salt

These are weighed against positive nutrients such as fibre, protein, fruit and vegetable content. If a product scores poorly overall, it is classed as HFSS.

This classification is now used to decide where and how foods can be advertised, promoted, or sold - particularly around children.

Common examples of HFSS foods

HFSS foods often include:

  • Crisps and fried snacks

  • Chocolate and sweets

  • Sugary breakfast cereals

  • Biscuits, cakes and pastries

  • Sugary drinks

  • Some processed ready meals

These foods are typically:

  • Energy dense (high calories in small portions)

  • Low in fibre

  • Low in vitamins and minerals

  • Designed to be highly palatable, making it easy to eat more than intended

Why are HFSS foods considered unhealthy?

Again, it’s not about banning these foods altogether - it’s about frequency and balance.

Here’s why a diet high in HFSS foods can be problematic.

1. They can contribute to poor overall nutrition

HFSS foods often crowd out healthier options. When diets are built around foods high in sugar, salt and fat, there’s less room for fruit, vegetables, wholegrains and fibre - all of which are essential for long-term health.

2. They encourage overeating

Many HFSS foods are engineered to hit the “bliss point” - the perfect combination of sugar, salt and fat that keeps you reaching for more. This makes portion control harder, especially for children.

3. They impact children’s health in particular

Children are more vulnerable to the effects of high sugar and salt intake, which can contribute to:

  • Tooth decay

  • Poor concentration and energy crashes

  • Establishing unhealthy eating habits early in life

This is why HFSS regulations focus so heavily on schools, advertising, and family-focused food environments.

4. They’re linked to long-term health risks

Regular consumption of HFSS foods is associated with an increased risk of:

  • Obesity

  • Type 2 diabetes

  • Heart disease

These conditions develop gradually, often starting with small, everyday choices rather than obvious excess.

Why HFSS foods are being regulated

The UK government has introduced HFSS restrictions to help:

  • Reduce childhood obesity

  • Encourage healthier product reformulation

  • Make healthier choices easier for families

This includes limits on:

  • Advertising HFSS foods to children

  • In-store promotions such as “buy one get one free”

  • Placement of HFSS foods at checkouts and store entrances

The goal isn’t to remove choice - it’s to rebalance the food environment so healthier options aren’t always the harder choice.

So what’s the alternative?

Reducing HFSS foods doesn’t mean cutting out snacks altogether. It means choosing options that:

  • Are naturally lower in sugar and salt

  • Contain real fruit or whole ingredients

  • Provide fibre and nutrients, not just calories

Snacks made from real fruit, with no added sugar and minimal processing, are a good example of how everyday swaps can make a difference - especially for lunchboxes and on-the-go moments.

The bottom line

HFSS foods are best seen as occasional treats, not daily staples. Understanding what the label means helps you make informed choices - particularly when shopping for children.

Small changes, made consistently, have far more impact than perfection. And when healthier snacks still taste good and fit into busy family life, those changes become much easier to stick to.

 

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