Just under a third of food and drink items are bought on promotion, according to a recent report from Cancer Research UK. It found those who buy over 40 percent of their food and drink on special offer are more likely to be overweight, and that almost half of chocolate, crisps, popcorn and savoury snacks bought are on promotion. The research also shows bargain-loving shoppers buy 30 percent less fruit and nearly 25 percent less veg.

This new research fits with an earlier Public Health England report into sugar reduction, which found price promotions such as multi-buy offers increase the amount of sugary food and drink people buy by 22 percent.

In the second chapter of its Childhood Obesity Plan, the Government laid out clear plans for promotions, saying:

“We intend to ban price promotions, such as buy-one-get-one free (BOGOFs) and multi-buy offers or unlimited refills of unhealthy foods and drinks in the retail and out-of-home sector through legislation. In doing so, we aim to stop promotions that encourage bulk buying and over-consumption of unhealthy products.”

The Government has since launched a consultation on restricting promotions of products high in fat, sugar and salt by location and by price. Many charities and health bodies have responded, but the outcome remains unknown.

The price of goods is significant as well as whether or not they are on promotion, says the RSPH. Research shows that increasing the price of less healthy foods reduces their purchase, while reducing the price of healthier options increases their sales.