Warning On Cheap Food
Shoppers who try to save the pennies by buying economy range supermarket food could be storing up health problems.
Most lower-cost food inspected in a survey contained "significantly" more salt than standard own-brand products, the National Consumer Council (NCC) warned.
And some economy supermarket products had more salt and sugar than standard versions.
The NCC's Short Changed on Health? report accuses some retailers of contributing to inequalities in diet and health.
It found fewer price promotions on healthy products at stores where people on low incomes were more likely to shop.
Out of the 94 standard products surveyed, 41 (44%) met the Food Standards Agency's sodium target levels.
But of the 49 economy products surveyed only 17 (35%) met the target, the report says.
All of Asda's Smartprice products surveyed had more salt than those in its standard range.
Sainsbury's Basics pizza, tomato soup, white bread and sausages all contained more salt than their standard equivalents.
Half of the Morrisons Bettabuy products had more salt than the chain's standard range - including sausages which had nearly double the amount.
Morrisons was ranked as the least healthiest supermarket
Morrisons was ranked as the least healthiest supermarket
By contrast, many retailers offered lower-salt versions of their "healthy eating" ranges .
NCC chair Lord Larry Whitty called on supermarkets to cut the salt content of their economy products.
"Consumers who rely heavily on economy ranges are clearly being short-changed on health," he said.
The NCC looked at the nutritional content of 10 own-brand foods - and their economy range equivalents where possible.
:: Here is the list of supermarkets and their overall ranking in the NCC report's Health Responsibility Index. Scores were given out of a maximum 10 points.
1. Sainsbury's - 6.5
2. Tesco - 6
2. Waitrose - 6
4. Marks & Spencer - 5.5
5. Asda - 4.5
5. Co-op - 4.5
7. Somerfield - 4
8. Morrisons - 3
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