Advertisement
Consumer protection in Hong Kong
Hong KongHealth & Environment

Hong Kong consumer watchdog warns nuts aren’t all they’re cracked up to be, may come with health risks

  • Despite their reputation as a healthy snack, nut products being sold in Hong Kong are often high in fat, salt and sugar, the Consumer Council says
  • The council recommends those in need of more omega-3s reach for walnuts, while those concerned about heart health stick to pistachios

Reading Time:3 minutes
Why you can trust SCMP
2
Hong Kong’s Consumer Council has warned that many brands of nuts sold locally are high in salt, sugar and fat. Photo: Felix Wong
Sammy Heung
Hong Kong’s consumer watchdog has warned shoppers not to be misled by nuts’ reputation as a healthy snack, noting that in spite of the presence of beneficial fats, protein and fibre, some brands are also high in sugar and salt, and excessive consumption could have adverse effects.

The Consumer Council said on Monday that 32 of 33 brands it tested contained at least 27.5 grams of fat in every 100 grams of nuts, placing them well above the 20-gram threshold for “high-fat” foods. Natural Walnuts from Cheer had the highest total fat content, at 65.5 grams per 100-gram portion.

Nora Tam Fung-yee, chairwoman of the council’s research and testing committee, acknowledged that some of the fats found in nuts could actually be beneficial, but said moderation was key.

“Peanuts and nuts are rich in healthy unsaturated fatty acids, which can help lower cholesterol levels in the body and are beneficial for heart health,” she said. “However, excessive intake might lead to weight gain, which in turn could increase the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and high blood pressure.”

For instance, she noted, if an adult on a 2,000-calorie diet ate 100 grams of Cheer walnuts, they would have almost reached the WHO’s recommended maximum daily fat intake of 66.7 grams. Suggested serving sizes for nuts, however, are typically only around a third of that.

Advertisement