On average, a fifth of the calories that people eat come from items such as cakes, biscuits and pastries

Reduced sugar in soft drinks has been offset by increases in other foods, research has revealed.

Food Standards Scotland (FSS) has released two reports this week which show little improvement in the Scottish diet.

Despite lower sugar levels being introduced in drinks such as Irn Bru, increases in calories have been found in many other products and Scots still buy three quarters of the confectionary they purchase after being encouraged by price promotions.

The research revealed that around 20% of the calories and fats eaten by Scots comes from confectionery, cakes, biscuits, pastries, crisps and sugary drinks.

Geoff Ogle, FSS chief executive, said: “These results are disappointing but unfortunately not unexpected. For diets to change we need to see price promotions rebalanced and shoppers encouraged to buy healthier foods with less sugar, fat and salt, by making these more affordable.

“What is particularly disappointing is seeing the reduction of sugar in soft drinks being negated by increased sugar purchase from other food products.”

Professor Linda Bauld, Cancer Research UK’s prevention expert, said: “Scotland needs a trailblazing obesity strategy which includes legislation to restrict multi-buy offers on unhealthy food and drink.”