Could food literacy revolutionise our diets? The makers of Penguin bars have been forced to change the description of their product, highlighting the need to recognise ingredients.
Top treats cannot be called ‘chocolate’
Chocs away: Few people are aware that many well-loved "chocolate" snacks, including Penguin biscuits, are actually just chocolate flavoured edible products, relying largely on vegetable oils and sugar for taste. Comprehension quiz
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Explain the main reason why Penguin bars are no longer being described as “chocolate” and what they will be called instead.
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Which word is the closest synonym for “consequently”?
A: Rarely
B: Previously
C: Therefore
D: Accidentally
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According to the text, what is “food literacy”?
A: Knowing the names of all the additives and oils in your favourite treats.
B: Understanding the impact of your food choices on your health, the environment, and the economy.
C: Being able to read and understand the nutritional information on food labels.
D: The ability to cook a balanced meal from scratch.
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What two factors are mentioned in the text that manufacturers are using to cut costs due to the rising price of cocoa beans?
A: Advertising their products more heavily and lowering the sugar content.
B: Reducing the size of the products (“shrinkflation”) and changing the ingredients.
C: Removing all artificial additives and changing the packaging.
D: Increasing the cocoa butter content and raising the price of the products.
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What potential health issues are mentioned in the text that may be linked to a diet relying on ultra-processed foods (UPFs)?
A: Respiratory problems and bone density loss.
B: Allergies and mental health disorders.
C: Obesity, cardiovascular problems, and nutrient deficiencies.
D: Hearing loss and poor eyesight.
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Do you think the average person should be expected to have a high level of “food literacy” and why? Use details from the text to support your viewpoint.
Answers
Tap to reveal
1: The soaring price of cocoa beans means manufacturers are changing the ingredients in the their products., 2: C, 3: B, 4: B, 5: C, 6: Your view!
1: The soaring price of cocoa beans means manufacturers are changing the ingredients in the their products., 2: C, 3: B, 4: B, 5: C, 6: Your view!
Glossary
Ghana - A country in West Africa.
Ivory Coast - Ivory Coast, also known as Côte d'Ivoire, is a West African country with beach resorts, rainforests and a French-colonial legacy.
London Cocoa Futures Market - The London Cocoa Futures Market is a standardised contract where participants agree to buy or sell a specific amount of cocoa at a set price on a future date.
Shea - A tree that grows in parts of Africa.
Cardiovascular - Relating to the heart and blood vessels.