HFSS Food List Scotland

There is no universal HFSS food list in Scotland

A common search when businesses and retailers try to understand the Scottish HFSS regulatory framework is some version of "HFSS food list". This is an understandable starting point, but the framework does not work through a pre-published list of restricted products. Classification is not a matter of looking up a product name in an approved register.

Instead, whether a specific product is relevant food under The Food (Promotion and Placement) (Scotland) Regulations 2025 depends on two things: the product category the food falls into, and whether that product meets the applicable nutrient profiling criteria for that category. Both steps require reference to the statutory framework. Individual product classification is not determined by this page.

Category first, nutrient profile second

The Regulations define which product categories are within scope of the classification process. Not all food categories are covered. Where a category is in scope, the nutrient profiling mechanism is then applied to the specific product to determine whether it qualifies as relevant food.

This two-stage approach means that a product that might informally be considered unhealthy may not be relevant food if it falls within an excluded category. Equally, a product in an in-scope category is not automatically relevant food — it must also meet the profiling threshold. Classification depends on the statutory framework at both stages.

The food classification and nutrient profiling pages explain each stage in more detail.

Product types commonly associated with HFSS classification

While individual classification depends on the statutory criteria, certain broad product types are commonly discussed in the context of HFSS frameworks. These include foods such as confectionery, crisps and savoury snacks, cakes and biscuits, sweetened soft drinks, breakfast cereals, ice cream, and similar items that tend to score above profiling thresholds in the types of nutrients the framework addresses.

These are broad descriptions of product types, not classifications. Whether any specific product within these types is relevant food under the Scottish Regulations depends on the category definition in the Regulations and the application of the nutrient profiling criteria to that specific product. This page does not classify any product. Classification depends on the statutory framework.

It is equally important to note that some products in these broad categories may not be relevant food if they fall below the profiling threshold, and some categories not listed above may contain products that are relevant food.

Why product-level classification requires the statutory criteria

Even within a single broad product type, classification may differ between individual products. Two products that appear similar on shelf may have different nutrient profiles and may therefore fall on different sides of the classification threshold. Reformulated versions of existing products may have different classifications from the originals. Product variants within a range — different flavours, sizes, or formats — may not all share the same classification.

This is why the framework is built around a profiling mechanism rather than a named product list. A list would become outdated quickly, would not capture reformulations, and would not reflect the breadth of products across different formats and categories. The statutory criteria are the authoritative basis for classification. This page does not replace them.

Where to go for deeper commentary

The HFSS food classification page explains the two-stage classification structure in plain English. The nutrient profiling page explains the role of the profiling mechanism within the framework. The HFSS key terms page provides a reference guide to the terminology used in the classification framework.

For detailed legislative commentary on how classification operates in practice under the Scottish Regulations, the HFSS Regulations publication addresses the full framework including scope, classification, promotion, placement, and enforcement.

Related HFSS resources

Frequently asked questions

The full legislative structure of product classification under the Scottish HFSS framework, and how these definitions operate in practice, is set out in the HFSS Regulations publication.