New research on parents perceptions of unhealthy retail food promotions in Scotland

The research looked at what lower income households in Scotland think of promotions in stores of unhealthy food and drink. Focus group discussions with parents of children aged 4-16 from different parts of Scotland shed light on the influence of food promotions in retail stores on parental food choices. 

Key findings: 

• There is significant parental concern on the impacts of retail promotions on their families’ diets. 

• Unhealthy food was perceived to be more on price promotions and readily accessible, including by children in stores.  

• Most reported healthy food options to be unaffordable, often forcing them to purchase discounted unhealthy options. 

• Price promotions of unhealthy food are seen to strongly influence impulse buying and promote brand loyalty. 

• The unplanned and wasteful spends participants reported as a result of these promotions highlights their disproportionate impact on low-income households and their already tight budgets 

• Action is needed now to improve the food environment with the parents seeking urgent policy action to restrict unhealthy food promotions 

Read the full report here. 

A short summary document outlining the key findings from the research has also been produced.