Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Muller's gin-flavoured yoghurts 'counterproductive to public health', says doctor

‘The creation of alcohol-inspired yoghurts seems unnecessary,' tweets NHS clinical commissioning group chair

Shaun Lintern
Health Correspondent
Saturday 11 January 2020 23:13 GMT
Comments
The yoghurt will be promoted by English athlete Katarina Johnson-Thompson.
The yoghurt will be promoted by English athlete Katarina Johnson-Thompson.

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

A senior GP has criticised yoghurt manufacturer Muller for creating gin-flavoured products containing 0.5 per cent alcohol.

Dr Nigel Wells, clinical chair of the Vale of York NHS clinical commissioning group, which buys NHS services on behalf of the public, said the new yoghurts were “counterproductive to public health.”

He tweeted: “Have we not got enough issues with alcohol related health problems."

Dr Wells added: “Given the problems we have with alcohol as a society – which is very visible in our GP practices and A&E departments – the creation of alcohol inspired yoghurts seems unnecessary and counterproductive to public health.

“I welcome public discussion and debate around our use of alcohol, which clearly can be enjoyed sensibly, but in light of the dry January campaign and the health benefits it brings I question whether this product is really necessary.”

The German dairy giant, which sponsors British Athletics, is marketing a six-pack of gin-flavoured yoghurts on its website.

It said the yoghurt would be promoted by English athlete Katarina Johnson-Thompson who won the heptathlon gold medal at the 2019 World Championships.

The product was first launched in October 2019 and Muller said the snack was fat free, high in protein and contained no added sugar.

Muller said the yoghurt could be "enjoyed regularly as part of a healthy balanced diet".

Michael Inpong, chief marketing officer added: “With constant shifting consumer behaviour, we need to find smart ways to grow the brand and drive category growth.”

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in