🚫 “Buy One, Get One Free” Junk Food Deals Banned in England
As of October 1, 2025, England has officially banned “Buy One, Get One Free” (BOGOF) promotions on unhealthy food and drink products. This long-awaited public health measure targets obesity and aims to reshape consumer habits across supermarkets, high street shops, and online retailers.
🧠 Why It Matters
- Obesity Crisis: More children in England are now obese than underweight for the first time in recorded history.
- Economic Impact: Obesity-related health issues cost the NHS billions annually.
- Behavioral Shift: Multi-buy promotions have been shown to encourage impulsive purchases and overconsumption.
🛑 What’s Banned?
The restrictions apply to:
- BOGOF and multi-buy deals on high-fat, high-sugar foods such as crisps, chocolate, cakes, ice cream, and sugary drinks.
- Free refill promotions in restaurants and cafes.
- Online and in-store promotions across major retailers.
A classification system defines “unhealthy” products, including:
- Full-fat fizzy drinks (e.g., cola, lemonade)
- Processed snacks and frozen items (e.g., fish fingers, certain pizzas)
📺 What’s Next?
- From January 2026, junk food advertising will be banned on TV before 9pm.
- Public health advocates are calling for further reforms in school food quality, checkout placement, and digital marketing.
🗣️ Government Statement
“Obesity robs children of the best possible start in life… This is a crucial step toward prevention and a healthier future.” — Department of Health and Social Care
