The overwhelming majority of supermarket special offers promote unhealthy products, according to research by think tank Questionmark.

The research, carried out on behalf of several health foundations, revealed that 83% of special offers were for products that do not contribute to a healthy food system. The survey is conducted every two years, and the results have been broadly consistent, despite supermarket pledges to promote healthier eating.

Just this week, the public health institute RIVM warned that nearly two-thirds of the Dutch population will be overweight by 2050 without drastic changes in eating habits.

The think tank also highlighted the widespread promotion of alcoholic beverages and sugary soft drinks, noting that supermarkets have yet to take significant steps to reduce them. In fact, flyers often feature promotions for alcoholic mixers and spirits, the agency said.

Questionmark also raised concerns about the way children are targeted. Diena Halbertsma, director of the Diabetes Fund, stressed the need for action, telling broadcaster NOS, “We want our children to grow up healthy.”

“It is time for the government to take strong action, ensuring that all supermarkets are required to make their product assortments, special offers, and store designs healthier,” she said.

Questionmark drew up a ranking of supermarkets based on these factors, placing the organic supermarket Ekoplaza at the top of the list, followed by Lidl and Dirk. At the bottom were Jumbo, Aldi, Albert Heijn, and Plus.

The findings underline the need for more action from both retailers and the government to combat unhealthy eating habits and their associated health risks, the think tank concluded.

The government’s current healthy eating strategy is based on covenants with the food industry.

In January this year, the RIVM said the agreement signed by ministers, and 70 private and public sector representatives to try to cut smoking, problematic drinking and obesity in 2018 is failing across the board.