This paper aims to provide an update to the 2018 FSS briefing on discretionary foods. The previous report concluded that reducing intakes of these foods, (which convey little or no nutritional benefit), by half would be a key step toward achieving the Scottish Dietary Goals (SDGs), which aim to improve population health.
The current paper presents the most recent data, reinforcing and strengthening the need to reduce discretionary food consumption. This position is underpinned by robust evidence on diet related health in Scotland, including dietary modelling for the Eatwell Guide and Eatwell Everyday resources, alongside data on dietary intake, retail purchasing trends, and public attitudes gathered through FSS consumer surveys and research.