Consumers have been told to learn how to read the printed labels on food products.

According to the British Dietetic Association (BDA), understanding the nutritional content of food has a number of advantages.

For instance, it noted that people who are aware of what they eat will not have to sacrifice their favourite recipes.

Sian Porter, spokeswoman for the BDA, said this is because consumers will be more likely to stay within their daily limits when ingesting salt and fat.

Speaking to the Independent, she added that shoppers should not claim that junk foods are less expensive than healthier alternatives.

"Nowadays, it's easy to pick up bags of prepared fruit for as little as £1 in most supermarkets," Ms Porter commented.

This coincides with a report from Kantar Worldpanel which revealed that sales of white bread in the UK have dropped in recent months, as health-conscious consumers are increasingly opting for seeded and brown loaves instead.

Denny Bros Ltd, 05 April 2011