Danish government proposes controversial tax change for sugary foods and coffee

While the UK government continues its campaign to reform food regulations around high fat, sugar and salt (HFSS) foods, and the US government’s Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) policies begin to take effect, it seems not every nation is sold on increasing ultra-processed food (UPF) restrictions.

HFSS foods have been linked with heightened obesity rates, chronic health conditions, heart disease, strokes, and other nasty health outcomes that put strain on healthcare providers and pose a mounting public health challenge.

As such, it’s understandable that many governments are seeking to rejig their food industries to a more health-first model.

Denmark is considered one of the world's healthiest nations (AleksandarNakic/Getty Images)

However, one nation is bucking the trend. Despite being dubbed one of the healthiest nations in the world, Denmark is paring back its regulations around UPF taxation to the alarm of healthcare professionals.

The move, being made to curb rising food prices as the cost of living bites across the developed world, will see Denmark remove additional taxes on coffee, chocolate and high-sugar foods and drinks.

Inflation in Denmark has seen a 32% jump in the price of coffee, and a 20% jump in chocolate prices over the past year, per data from Danmarks Statisik.

Economy Minister Stephanie Lose is leading the proposal, with the government claiming tax administration will be simplified for retailers, bakers and other food manufacturers.

“Danes are responsible consumers,” said Lose, and considering the relatively healthy population in Denmark it’s fair to say health-conscious food choices are the norm.

The changes could save the average customer around 10 Danish krone (£1.16) per kilo of coffee, while a 200g bar of chocolate will be around 6.5 krone (75p) cheaper.

While these figures look small, the Danish government estimates around 2.4 billion krone (£278m) being returned to the public via the measure

While free market evangelists and consumers may welcome these changes, healthcare professionals aren’t convinced.

The Technical University of Denmark’s Food Institute estimates that Danes eat the most candy per capita in the world, with rates of diabetes, cardiovascular disease and obesity on the rise in the nation.

Health experts have warned that Denmark already has a high rate of candy consumption (Westend61/Getty Images)

Cheaper products may elevate consumption even higher, with children being particularly susceptible to developing lifelong illnesses and maladaptive relationships with food.

Other political voices in Denmark have questioned why tax changes aren’t being levied for healthy foods like fruit and vegetables. Rasmus Lund-Nielsen of the Moderates party and chair of the parliamentary Health Committee has suggested halving VAT on fruit and veg as an alternative measure.