The UK Says No More Sweet Deals: A Push for Healthier Choices
EUROPE
10/8/2025
A1–A2 Level
Vocabulary
deal (noun) — a special offer that helps you save money.
Example: I bought two for the price of one in a great deal.
unhealthy (adjective) — not good for your body.
Example: Too many sweets are unhealthy for you.
rule (noun) — something you must or must not do.
Example: There’s a new rule about eating in class.
advertise (verb) — to tell people about a product to make them buy it.
Example: They advertise new snacks on TV every day.
ban (verb) — to officially stop or not allow something.
Example: The school banned energy drinks.
Article: The UK Says No More Sweet Deals
The UK government has decided to stop shops from offering special deals on unhealthy food. Big stores can no longer give offers like “buy one, get one free” on items such as sweets, chips, and sugary drinks.
The rule is meant to help people eat better and make healthier choices. Some restaurants can’t offer free refills on sugary drinks anymore either.
The change will not affect small shops, but larger ones with many workers must follow the rule. The government also plans to stop companies from advertising unhealthy food on TV before 9 p.m.
Comprehension Questions
What kinds of food will not have special deals anymore?
Do small shops have to follow this rule?
When will ads for unhealthy food be banned before 9 p.m.?
Personal Questions (A1–A2)
Do you like buying food on special offer?
What snacks do you often buy?
Do you think sweets are bad for your health?
What healthy food do you like?
Do you eat chips or chocolate often?
How many sugary drinks do you have in a week?
Would you like a rule like this in your country?
Do you read food labels when you shop?
Who buys food in your house?
What is your favourite healthy meal?
What food is hard for you to resist?
Do you watch food ads on TV?
Do you think deals make people buy more?
What do you eat when you are hungry between meals?
Is healthy food expensive where you live?
Answer Key (A1–A2)
Unhealthy food like sweets, chips, and sugary drinks.
No, only big shops must follow the rule.
From 2026.
B1–B2 Level
Vocabulary
policy (noun) — an official plan made by the government or an organization.
Example: The school’s new policy stops students from using phones in class.
encourage (verb) — to make someone want to do something.
Example: Teachers encourage students to eat healthy food.
limit (verb) — to control or reduce something.
Example: You should limit how many sweets you eat.
refill (noun) — an extra amount of drink or food you get again after finishing the first.
Example: The restaurant gives free refills for coffee.
affect (verb) — to change or influence something.
Example: The new rule affects all large supermarkets.
Article: The UK Says No More Sweet Deals
In an effort to improve public health, the UK government has announced a new policy that bans large supermarkets from offering special deals on food high in sugar, fat, and salt. Offers such as “buy one, get one free” will no longer be allowed on items like chocolate, crisps, and soft drinks.
The rule will only affect stores with more than 50 employees. Smaller shops will still be able to give customers these promotions. Restaurants will also face restrictions — for example, free refills of sugary drinks are no longer permitted.
The policy also includes advertising changes. Starting in 2026, food high in sugar, salt, or fat cannot be advertised on TV before 9 p.m., and online advertising for such products will be banned completely.
The government hopes these steps will encourage people to make healthier choices and reduce obesity, especially among children.
Comprehension Questions
Why has the UK government banned certain food deals?
Which businesses are affected by the new policy?
What are the new advertising restrictions?
Personal Questions (B1–B2)
Do you think banning food deals is a good idea? Why or why not?
How do special offers influence your shopping habits?
What foods do you find hardest to resist?
How often do you eat fast food?
Should governments tell people what to eat?
Do you think advertising influences what people buy?
Are healthy foods too expensive in your country?
Do you think children should see fewer junk food ads?
What foods do you think are the biggest problem for health today?
How often do you cook at home instead of eating out?
Have you ever changed your diet for health reasons?
What is a good way to teach people to eat better?
Do you prefer homemade food or ready meals? Why?
How can supermarkets promote healthier products?
Do you believe this law will really change people’s habits?
Answer Key (B1–B2)
To help people eat more healthily and reduce obesity.
Large supermarkets and restaurants with over 50 employees.
No ads for unhealthy food before 9 p.m. on TV or online.
C1–C2 Level
Vocabulary
regulation (noun) — an official rule controlling how something is done.
Example: New health regulations limit the marketing of sugary products.
obesity (noun) — a condition of being very overweight.
Example: Obesity has become one of the biggest public health problems.
consumer behaviour (noun) — the way people choose and buy products.
Example: The new law could change consumer behaviour in supermarkets.
restrictive (adjective) — limiting what people can do.
Example: Some believe the new health laws are too restrictive.
initiative (noun) — a new plan or action to achieve something.
Example: The government launched an initiative to promote healthy eating.
Article: The UK Says No More Sweet Deals
The UK government has introduced a public health initiative banning promotions on foods high in sugar, salt, and fat in large retail chains. This measure aims to curb rising obesity rates and promote healthier consumer behaviour.
Supermarkets will no longer be allowed to offer multi-buy deals, discounts, or similar promotions on unhealthy items, including sweets, processed snacks, and sugary drinks. Restaurants are also affected, with free refills on sugary beverages prohibited.
The policy specifically targets large retailers with over 50 employees, while smaller stores are exempt. In addition, the government is tightening advertising regulations: from 2026, high-sugar and high-fat foods cannot be shown on television before 9 p.m., and online advertising for these items will be banned altogether.
Critics argue that the timing is poor due to the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, claiming that such restrictions may increase food prices and limit consumer choice. Supporters, however, believe that the long-term benefits for public health outweigh these short-term inconveniences.
Comprehension Questions
What is the main goal of the UK’s new food policy?
What are some criticisms of the initiative?
How do the rules differ between large and small retailers?
Personal Questions (C1–C2)
Do you think governments should have the power to regulate people’s diets?
How might this policy affect consumer behaviour in the long term?
Could similar regulations work in your country?
Do you think the policy unfairly targets low-income consumers?
How can businesses adapt to these new restrictions?
What role does advertising play in shaping eating habits?
Should companies be responsible for promoting healthier options?
How do social and economic factors influence food choices?
Is banning promotions enough to change public health trends?
What alternative policies could encourage healthier eating?
How might this ban affect the food industry’s profits?
What ethical questions arise from regulating personal choice?
Do you believe public health should take priority over consumer freedom?
How can schools and families complement such government policies?
Do you foresee similar bans spreading across Europe?
Answer Key (C1–C2)
To reduce obesity and promote healthier consumer choices.
Critics say it may raise food prices and reduce freedom of choice.
Large retailers must comply, while smaller stores are exempt.
