Scotland is set to ban multi-buy promotions on foods high in sugar, salt, and saturated fat - everything from candy bars to soft drinks - in a sweeping public-health move aimed at cutting rates of obesity and diabetes.
For parents, it raises an uncomfortable but important question: Are those “buy one, get one free” deals really helping us feed our families better, or are they just making unhealthy eating harder to resist?
Let’s get the facts straight:
By the end of 2026, Scotland plans to ban price promotions (like “two for one,” “three for the price of two,” or free refills) on foods that are high in fat, sugar, or salt. That means products like chips, candy, soft drinks, and even some baked goods.
Their goal? Cut down on how much junk food families buy. And hopefully, as a result, reduce the rates of diabetes, obesity, and other related chronic health problems.
The Scottish government sees this as a public-health win. Research shows price promotions do drive higher purchases of unhealthy products, even if people wouldn’t have chosen them otherwise.
Let’s be honest: most of us love a deal.
And if you’re shopping for a family on a budget, those “buy one, get one” offers can feel like a blessing.
But food marketers know exactly what they’re doing. These deals:
For kids, this means more exposure (and let’s face it, more nagging) to continue to buy, and eat, these packaged, ultra-processed foods. And for parents, it means spending money on foods that don’t necessarily fuel your family in a meaningful way.
It’s a fair question. Americans face the same marketing tactics, often even more aggressively. Walk into any big-box grocery store, and you’ll see end-caps stacked with soda, cookies, and salty snacks on deep discounts.
Would a ban on junk-food promos work here? It’s complicated. We value choice and freedom in the U.S., and food companies would fight hard against it. But the core problem — that price shapes our choices — is the same.
One idea: instead of an outright ban, what if we incentivized healthy foods with the same level of marketing muscle? Imagine “buy one, get one” on apples, carrots, or plain yogurt.
Look, promotions aren’t going away anytime soon. So here’s how you can work around them:
Make a list ... and stick to it! If it’s not on the list, pause before adding it to your cart.
Shop with a budget for treats. If you want to take advantage of a snack deal, fine. But set a limit.
Talk to kids about marketing. Explain how deals work and why those foods seem more appealing.
Shop the perimeter first. Load up on fresh produce, proteins, and whole grains before hitting the processed aisles.
Look at unit price, not just sale price. That “deal” might not be so great if it leaves you buying food you don’t really want.
Want even more tips and easy swaps? Grab this Smart Shopping Guide, absolutely free.
You can also learn about the 8 most common mistakes we make while grocery shopping (and how to avoid them!)
Scotland’s move is bold — and it might not translate directly to the U.S.
But it does force us to think:
If promotions are making it harder for us to stick to healthy habits, how can we protect ourselves — and our kids — from being steered toward foods we don’t actually want?
In the end, no one’s banning you from buying chips or soda. But if we can be more mindful about how marketing shapes our choices, we might find a better balance — and a healthier grocery cart.
