Since 2002, Mars has been at the forefront of the food industry in reducing Trans Fatty Acids (TFAs) in our products. We have reviewed our chocolate portfolio, focusing on products with levels of TFA greater than 1%, and implemented a TFA reduction programme. This has resulted in an average reduction of 72% in TFA levels. More than 99% of our chocolate products, since 2004, now contain less than 0.5% TFA, with the remainder containing less than 1%. For further information on the levels of TFAs in our chocolate and ice creams, please click here to search for the product you are interested in.

In our food products we have virtually eliminated TFAs to less than 0.2% across the range.

Mars are pleased to be part of the UK Public Health Responsibility Deal.  As part of this Mars have signed the pledge to remove artificial trans fats - we have already removed, or will remove, artificial trans fats from our products by the end of 2011.  More details on this pledge are available at the Department of Health's website.

Trans Fatty Acids and Hydrogenated Vegetable Oils

Trans Fatty Acids (TFAs) occur naturally in a number of foods, particularly dairy products and meats. It is generally accepted that TFAs have an adverse effect on health and we should reduce our consumption of them.

Unfortunately there is a great deal of confusion about TFAs in processed food products. For instance many people think that TFAs and Hydrogenated Vegetable Oils – or hydrogenated fats - are one and the same thing, which they are not. Fully hydrogenated vegetable oil does not contain TFAs. However, highly variable levels of TFAs (0 - 50%) may be present in partially hydrogenated vegetable oil.

Trans Fatty Acids and Your Health

The fats in milk, which is an ingredient of chocolate, contain TFAs. Therefore chocolate contains some trans fats. Accordingly, although it is generally accepted that TFAs have an adverse effect on health and we should reduce our consumption of them, it is impossible to completely eliminate them from our diet. The Food Standards Agency recommends that TFAs should comprise of no more than two per cent of dietary energy. More than 99% of our chocolate food sales now contain less than 0.5% TFA, with the remainder containing less than 1%.

Product Labelling

Like any ingredient, hydrogenated fat must be indicated in the ingredients list shown on the label of a food product. You may therefore find hydrogenated fat listed as an ingredient of a food product. This does not necessarily mean it contains TFAs. Whether the product contains TFAs will depend on whether or not the hydrogenated fat in the product is partially hydrogenated and the conditions by which it has been treated.

We have removed hydrogenated fat from most of our products. Products which are labelled as having vegetable oil or vegetable fat, but which do not state hydrogenated fat in the ingredients, are free from hydrogenated fats and oils.

Saturated Fats 

At Mars, as part of an ongoing programme, we are committed to continually improving the nutritional profile of our existing brands whilst maintaining the same great taste. We are continually reviewing our portfolio to ensure that we deliver treats that can be enjoyed by our consumers as part of a healthy, enjoyable and balanced lifestyle. This is at the heart of our programmes of innovation and renovation of our existing portfolio.

In 2010 Mars Chocolate UK reduced the levels of saturated fat in MARS, SNICKERS, MILKY WAY and TOPIC bars.  The reductions mean that these bars now have 35-45% less saturated fat , per 100g,  than the average of the top 25 UK chocolate brands.  To find out more click here.

For information on the recommended guideline daily amounts of fat for an average adult, Click here.