Expert Guide Flags 35g Sugar Cola and Backs 64% Chickpea Hummus for Picnics

1 articles · Updated · The Times · May 13

Dr Federica Amati’s summer-food guide urges shoppers to avoid ultra-processed picnic staples, singling out sugary soft drinks, processed meats and additive-heavy dips and ice creams as the biggest risks.
Her main test is simple labels: fewer ingredients, no emulsifiers or artificial sweeteners, and lower sugar—she warns a 330ml Coca-Cola has more than 35g sugar, while San Pellegrino limonata carries 14.7g.
Among better picnic picks, she highlights Waitrose king prawns, hard-boiled eggs, Biona falafel, Kettle Chips and hummus made with extra virgin olive oil, including ChicP Velvet Good Gut with 64% chickpeas.
Products she marks down include sausage rolls, quiche, Scotch eggs, satay chicken skewers and cheese dips for high saturated fat, salt, hidden sugars or preservatives such as nitrites linked to health concerns.
The broader message is that summer treats need not be austere: Amati says choosing minimally processed versions—such as Dash sparkling water or simpler ice creams—can cut UPF exposure without giving up picnic food.

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