The Sugar Solution

Sugar found naturally in fruit, milk and wholefoods is categorised differently to the ‘free’ or ‘added’ sugar found in sweets, cakes and fizzy drinks. Sugar substitutes, for example, honey, coconut sugar and agave syrup also constitute as free-sugars and should be used sparingly in the diet. High intakes of free-sugars are associated with negative impacts on health such as the development of tooth decay, weight gain and obesity. Obesity is in turn associated with the development of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, both of which are significant health problems in Ireland today. Furthermore, it is predicted that Ireland is set to have the highest prevalence of obesity in Europe by 2030.

As a restaurant / food outlet owner, you have a significant role to play in helping to reduce intake of free-sugars in the Irish population. Implementation of low-sugar strategies in your business can be easily achieved by following these simple strategies:

• Reduce the amount of added sugar in dishes or offer dishes completely sugar-free, appealing to customers who follow a reduced-calorie diet, diabetics, parents trying to reduce the amount of sugar in their child’s diet, or those just trying to live a healthier or sugar-free life
  
  
• Experiment using fruit and vegetables as alternative forms of sweeteners in dishes
  
  
• Enhance foods with spices instead of sugar; try ginger, allspice, cinnamon or nutmeg
  
  
• Avail of dietitian-led professional menu analysis services

At healthpro, we work closely with restaurants, cafes, fast food outlets, and bars nationwide, and we recognise that these food providers can make a significant contribution towards the goal of reducing free-sugar intake combating the prevalence of obesity and diabetes in Ireland. Indeed, by helping our clients to firstly define, and to subsequently refine their sugar usage, healthpro Menu Mentoring® has enabled thousands of menu items across the country to be accurately rebranded as "Low-Sugar" options. Get in touch with us today to find out how your business can be a leader in this important area of public health and in turn benefit from a unique marketing opportunity.