Disney plans range of healthy snacks in response to concerns over obesity

Disney is launching a range of branded healthy snacks to tackle growing public concern over childhood obesity. This global launch will be the first of its kind for the entertainment group.

A range of dried fruit snacks, under the banner Disney Juicy, has been produced under licence by Whitworths Foods. Disney Consumer Products’ food, health and beauty division has been working with nutritionists on the range, which initially will be sold through Asda and Sainsbury’s.

The packaging, which Disney says it will use globally for all its nutritional food products aimed at children, has special information features. There is a “Check it out” logo that lists nutritional highlights and a “Juicy-Tastic” facts area on the back of packs, which is intended to be a fun and educational element for children.

A Disney spokeswoman says the range will complement the water and fruit smoothie products it has been working on with Calypso Soft Drinks. She says the products have been developed to provide both parents and children with a healthy and nutritional snack alternative.

“Our partnership with Disney represents Whitworths’ commitment to leading the way in healthy snacking in the UK. New consumers are actively seeking out healthy, nutritious snacks and we believe this range offers both a perfect lunchbox solution, nutritional reassurance for mums and of course, great fun for the children,” says Whitworths marketing director Dave Whitworth.

Other Disney-branded foods on the market include cakes that are produced under licence in the UK by Inter Link Foods.