Identification of tax options for high fat, sugar and salt foods and non-alcoholic beverages: Results of a rapid review for the HEALTHEI project

HEALTHEI (Health Economic Analysis incorporating effects on Labour outcomes, Households, Environment and Inequalities) plans to explore which HFSS (High in Fat, Sugar, and Salt) food taxes would have the greatest benefits to health, labour and work outcomes, household expenditure, environmental sustainability and inequalities (health and food expenditure) within the food system in the UK. The work is being funded by the National Institute of Health Research (grant ref: NIHR133927) and is being undertaken by a team from several UK institutions The University of Sheffield, Teesside University and City, University of London. The project will use data synthesised for this project and engage with consumers, policymakers and experts to look at which taxes would have the greatest benefits to health, labour and work outcomes, household expenditure, environmental sustainability and inequalities within the UK food system.

This rapid review briefing aims to summarise published evidence in this area and will be used as a springboard to encourage discussion of HFSS taxation options in workshops and interviews, which will be held during 2023.