Father's Day treats contain 'reckless' sugar levels, shoppers warned

Retailers are packing their Father's Day chocolate ranges with record levels of sugar and calories – putting dads at risk of a host of health conditions.

An analysis found some paternal-themed bars and treats include almost a week's worth of sugar in a single item.

Critics and nutritionists blasted the use of 'humour' and 'oversized packaging' to target men with products that pose 'real health risks'.

As part of their Father's Day range Morrisons offers a 360-gram Toblerone Milk Chocolate Bar packing a worrying 216 grams of sugar or the equivalent of 54 teaspoons of sugar, plus an astonishing 1,822 calories.

NHS experts say the average adult should consume no more than 30 grams of sugar a day or seven teaspoons worth - plus a maximum 2,500 calories for a man.

High-sugar diets lead to having too many calories, which leads to weight gain, while being overweight increases your risk of heart problems such as heart disease, some cancers and type 2 diabetes.

And similar levels of sugar were found in treats from rival chains.

Marks & Spencer says its 'Big Daddy bar' has been recognised as 'the UK's answer to Dubai chocolate' - a popular bar filled with pistachio - thanks to its 'irresistible pistachio flavour'.

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But nutritional information for the treat posted online shows it packs an extremely high 119 grams of sugar - the same as 30 teaspoons and more than four days' worth, plus a waist-expanding 1,500 calories.

Sainsbury's offers 200-gram box of Lindt Lindor Pistachio Milk Chocolate Truffles as part of its Father's Day range. But small print on the supermarket giant's website confirms the 'bliss' inducing treat packs a hefty 84 grams of sugar – that equates to 21 teaspoons of sugar or three days' worth - plus 1,252 calories.

Paul Evans, registered nutritionist at The Nutritionist UK, said: 'The levels of sugar being packed into these so-called 'Father's Day treats' are not just excessive — they're reckless.

'We're talking about single products containing nearly a week's worth of sugar, sold under the guise of a novelty gift.

'This is indulgence pushed to the point of absurdity. There's a worrying trend in how food brands target men — using humour, oversized packaging, and 'treat culture' to disguise the fact these products pose very real health risks'

Elsewhere, Tesco is selling its own Toblerone themed treat designed to give dad's waistline a battering.

The 400-gram Toblerone Tiny Milk, white and dark Chocolate Bars Pouch includes a tooth decay inducing 163 grams of sugar or the same as 40 teaspoons of sugar.

That's almost six days' worth of the white stuff.

The 35 Toblerone treats per bag specials also includes an eye-watering 1,476 calories.

Tesco said: 'From grooming kits to books, we offer a great range of affordable products in store and online to help families celebrate Father's Day this year.'

Mondelez International, makers of Toblerone added: 'These products are intended as an occasional treat and are clearly labelled to ensure they can be consumed as part of a healthy and balanced diet.

'We offer a wide range of different products and sizes to suit the varied needs of our consumers, each of which have nutritional information on pack.

All other supermarkets were contacted for comment.