Full list of 13 ‘unhealthy’ foods included in new advert ban including some surprising additions

The UK Government has recently commissioned an advertising ban on certain foods - so don't be surprised if these foods don't appear on our screen before the 9 o'clock watershed.

According to a government press release, NHS data found that 9.2 per cent of reception-aged children were obese, while 23.7 per cent of children suffer from tooth decay as a result of excessive sugar consumption.

So, in a bid to help children to make better choices, the UK government has devised a ban on certain foods being advertised which are deemed as 'less healthy' - with the ban starting in October next year, as per the BBC.

In order to deem what is 'healthy', the government have created a system based on the food item's sugar, fat and protein content - and it has since been revealed what foods will be taken off our TV's following the ban in 2025.

Soft drinks will not be advertised prior to 9pm (Getty Stock Images)

Soft drinks

Say goodbye to your favourite fruit-based drinks, fizzy pop, milkshakes, hot chocolates, tea and coffees as they've not passed the government's test to be advertised on TV.

According to the NHS, a can of cola can have as much as 9 cubes of sugar in it - which is more than the recommended amount for adults.

Protein shakes and other powdered drinks also come under the ban, as per Metro, with alcoholic and other substitutes not being included.

Morning food

Breakfast items like crumpets are also on the list (Getty Stock Images)

Forget looking at the TV and seeing a croissant on there.

The BBC says that this category largely covers items we'd usually consume for breakfast, like croissants, pain au chocolat and other pastries, however, it also extends to items like crumpets, scones, hot cross buns, brioches, fruit loaves or pancakes.

Even those that don't include dairy or gluten are also excluded from advertising.

Cereal

Certain cereals are deemed to be unhealthy (Getty Stock Images)

While you'd assume that cereal like granola, muesli and ready-to-eat cereals were healthy, it turns out not to be the case.

According to the government, they aren’t so great after all- not even porridge oats, which are also deemed to be unhealthy.

Ice cream

Not even dairy-free ice cream is free (Getty Stock Images)

It’s a sad day when you can’t see the latest ice cream and ice cream alternative adverts - but this is where we’re at now.

And don’t even think about getting around it via non-dairy ice cream either, as they’re also banned.

Cakes

Items like cupcakes are also facing restricted advertising (Getty Stock Images)

So, no more sponge cakes, donuts, éclairs and whatever else on our screens - however, according to BBC, icing is exempt from the ban.

Similarly, cake decorations and toppings are also safe to show before 9pm, Metro says.

Confectionery

Anything you could get from the confectionery aisle is a no-go (Getty Stock Images)

So, this obviously isn’t shocking anyone, but the government shared that anything you can see down the confectionary snack aisle is featured in the ban.

This includes sweets, popcorn and even protein bars or high protein snacks.

Biscuit and bars

Same goes for chocolate (Getty Stock Images)

Any chocolate or chocolate-coated bars are off limits to advertisers now before the kids’ bedtime.

This also extends to ice cream wafers, cereal bars, nut and seed bars, shortbread and coated chocolate biscuits.

If you thought rice or corn cakes were safe, guess again.

Savoury snacks

Crisps were the main focus for this category (Getty Stock Images)

According to Metro, ‘all sizes, shapes and types of savoury snacks’ will be facing the ban - with crisps being the main offender here.

However, other items that come under the savory category are crackers, rice cakes, tortilla chips, and Bombay spice mixes.

Desserts

Desserts are also considered unhealthy (Getty Stock Images)

That’s pies, tarts, flans, cheesecake, sponge puddings, rice pudding, crumbles, meringues, custards, trifles or Christmas puddings to you and me.

Though there are some that don't fall under the ban, namely tinned fruit, cream and syrups.

Potatoes

The veg itself is fine (Getty Stock Images)

Before you get angry, it’s not about the unprocessed veggie - plain or sweet - it’s more like the smiley-faced potatoes, roast potatoes, hash browns, fries and croquettes.

Ready meals

Ready meals also came under the ban (Getty Stock Images)

That’s right, they’re coming after our after-work staples here - basically anything that can be cooked in a microwave.

It doesn’t matter what ready meal you consume either, it’s on the list, but so are sandwiches, wraps, bagels, and paninis, which are also considered junk food.

However, it also encompasses food that can be whacked in an oven too, like fish fingers, chicken Kievs and chicken nuggets.

Yoghurt and fromage frais

Natural yoghurt without sweeteners is considered fine (Getty Stock Images)

If the yoghurt is one that has been sweetened, dairy or non-dairy, fruity or fromage frais, then it falls under the junk food category.

However, if the yoghurt is a natural product with no added sugar, then it's safe for TV advertising.

Pizza

Pizza is also on the list (Getty Stock Images)

That’s all pizza - but at least garlic bread and plain pizza bases aren’t considered under this category.

In the press release from 3 December, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Wes Streeting, said it was important to curb childhood obesity now before it becomes an issue later on in a person's life.

He said: "Obesity robs our kids of the best possible start in life, sets them up for a lifetime of health problems, and costs the NHS billions.

"This government is taking action now to end the targeting of junk food ads at kids, across both TV and online.

"This is the first step to deliver a major shift in the focus of healthcare from sickness to prevention, and towards meeting our government’s ambition to give every child a healthy, happy start to life."