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@ISIDEWITHQuestionsHealthcareCost Of LivingPublic HealthObesityFood PolicyUltra-processed Foods•••Started 4mos agoActive 4wks ago

Should the government impose a tax on ultra-processed foods?

Ultra-processed foods (UPFs), such as fizzy drinks, nuggets, and packaged snacks, have been linked to rising obesity rates and chronic illnesses. Proponents of the tax argue it is a necessary intervention to reduce consumption of unhealthy additives and save the NHS billions in preventable treatment costs. Opponents argue it is a regressive 'Nanny State' tax that unfairly punishes low-income families who rely on cheap, long-lasting processed foods during a cost-of-living crisis.

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Answer Overview

Response rates from 1.6k UK voters.

60%
Yes
40%
No
50%
Yes
30%
No
8%
Yes, but use the revenue to subsidize fresh fruit and vegetables
9%
No, food prices are already too high for struggling families
2%
Yes, we must save the NHS from the obesity crisis
2%
No, the government needs to stop acting like a 'Nanny State'

Historical Support

Trend of support over time for each answer from 1.6k UK voters.

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Historical Importance

Trend of how important this issue is for 1.6k UK voters.

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Other Popular Answers

Unique answers from UK voters whose views went beyond the provided options.

 @BDRPFGS answered…4wks4W

Just stop companies from producing it. You can make a frozen meal without all the additives

 @BDKJ6QBanswered…1mo1MO

Depends on the definition of ultra-processed foods

 @BDFCV4Sfrom Iowa  answered…1mo1MO

Offer tax rebate on healthier foods or government subsidies

 @BD8D4D2answered…2mos2MO

No, just advertise the risks and make sure every shop does have to put warning labels on things but no shrinking portions and no unnecessary price rising for parents by taxing it

 @BD5Y3PQanswered…2mos2MO

Yes if we tip the scales back to farming and prioritise healthy food instead. And drop GMO foods too

 @BD2BPWHanswered…2mos2MO

No, but they should be clearly labelled

 @BCWVB59from Rhode Island  answered…2mos2MO

No, just stop subsidizing firms who specialize in ultra-processed foods.

 @BCMLM6Kanswered…3mos3MO

Healthier food needs to be cheaper not make any food more expensive

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 @ISIDEWITHDiscuss this answer...…6yrs6Y

Should critical race theory be taught in K-12 education?

No

▲  19.8k6 replies4 agree1 disagree

About This Data

Based on 1.6k responses to this question.

These results come from iSideWith's ongoing political issues survey. We collect over a million responses per day, filter out duplicate and multiple submissions, and break the results down by political party, ideology, age, state, and census demographics (income, race, education, household).

iSideWith is non-partisan — we don't advocate for any party, candidate, or position. We report what the public tells us.

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Cite This Poll

iSideWith. (2026). “Should the government impose a tax on ultra-processed foods?” — Public Opinion Poll Results. Retrieved June 21, 2026, from https://uk.isidewith.com/poll/5548679297

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