Muffin Break introduces healthier menu options in hospitals

Muffin Break has shown its support for the ‘sugar tax’ by introducing healthier food options and promotions in two hospital locations.

The move follows the NHS announcement earlier this year to impose a 20 per cent tax on unhealthy food and drinks in hospital cafés by 2020. The bakery franchise business will implement the changes at stores based in University Hospital Lewisham and Whittington Hospital.

The new menu will include a selection of alternative nutritious food options for visitors, staff and patients, including four different salads, all priced from £4.

The company will also be changing its point-of-sale strategy by removing cookies and crisps from the till points and replacing them with healthier options, such as bowls of fruit.

Lisa Brook, general manager at Muffin Break, said: “We have long been committed to expanding our product portfolio and providing our customers with more healthy alternatives and the NHS move has strengthened our resolve. Our strategy in Lewisham and Whittington has been reviewed and we are already making positive changes to encourage visitors to consider healthier options as impulse buys at the tills.

“Our changes are just the beginning and we plan to roll out further positive strategies in the near future. All of our stores, including our hospital stores, serve freshly baked goods using high-quality ingredients, which are made by our in-store bakers every morning. We pride ourselves on the food that we serve and continue to improve our dining experience to respond to changing consumer needs.”