As if it wasn’t easy enough to pile on the kilos at this time of year, along come these festive treats.
Retailers are selling super-sized Christmas chocolates that can contain the equivalent of more than 600 teaspoons of sugar. The giant Toblerone, 12 times the size of the original bar, weighs nearly 4.5kg and costs £108 (R1836).
It contains 1.3kg of fat, 2.7kg of sugar (650 teaspoons) and 24000 calories -10 times the recommended daily intake. John Lewis is selling a £100, 60cm-high House of Dorchester Giant Gold Santa which contains the equivalent of 560 teaspoons of sugar.
Montezuma’s, Hotel Chocolat, Ferrero Rocher and Lindt are among others cashing in on the trend. Health experts warn that overindulging on chocolate products helps cause obesity and tooth decay. They want a 250-calorie limit on chocolate bars. Public Health England chief nutritionist Dr Alison Tedstone said: “Christmas is a time to treat ourselves but the fact remains we consume too much sugar the whole year round. Too many children suffer the consequences of tooth decay or being overweight as a result.”
Jenny Rosborough, of Action on Sugar, which recommends a maximum daily intake of seven teaspoons of sugar for an adult, said: “Manufacturers need to be more responsible."
Angus Thirlwell, chief executive and co-founder of Hotel Chocolat, said: "Our festive wreaths are designed to be cut into 10 pieces.”
Nutritionist Fiona Hunter said: "Obviously these products are meant for sharing but for some people that doesn’t happen." - Daily Mail