Good health is a result of well-being, a varied diet and regular exercise. Sweets are for special, relaxing moments of pleasure, and should not replace ordinary meals.
The consumption of sugar in Norway has been stable over the last 40 years, but is now decreasing. In 2005, on average, each Norwegian consumed approx. 36 kilos of sugar, the lowest since the 1940ies. 15 percent of the sugar consumption, or 6 kilos, comes from sweets. Soft drinks account for around 9 kilos.
Even though the consumption of sugar has remained stationary, even been reduced some lately, the Norwegian population has become heavier. An average 40 year old today weighs around nine kilos more than 30 years ago. In the government report ‘Resepten for et sunnere Norge’ (Recipe for a Healthier Norway), the government points out that the cause of this negative trend is that ‘the daily need for physical activity, has lessened.’
The authorities recommend that a maximum 10 per cent of our energy intake should come from added sugar. On average, the adult population is within this recommendation, even though certain groups have a higher sugar intake.
However, Norwegian children score above the authorities’ recommendation, with the highest sugar consumption being among teenagers. A child’s diet is a parental responsibility, and we recommend that parents set fixed times for consumption of sweets and that they encourage their children to be physically active. Nidar wishes to contribute actively so that parents can more easily maintain control of their children’s sweets habits. We do this by:
- Exercising caution in advertising:
Nidar is committed to a ban on advertising aimed directly at children.
- Supports saying no to confectionary in schools:
Nidar is opposed to vending machines and other forms of sales of sweets at schools.
- Nutrition declaration:
Nidar introduced nutrition declarations on all products in the autumn of 2006, so that it is easier to check what you are consuming. You can also find information on nutritional content on our web site.
- Smaller packaging:
Nidar has reduced the size of several products designed for children.