Several of the most well-known dairy products in the UAE are set to be lower in sugar starting this fall; a change that many will likely first notice when buying flavored milk or yogurt for their children's school lunches.

The brands 'Al Ain' and 'Marmoom' have announced that starting from September 2026, they will reduce the added sugar in some of their everyday products by 10 to 20 percent. This change includes flavored milks, yogurt, and laban; products that are found in almost every household in the UAE.

This decision is part of Abu Dhabi's 'Healthy Living' program; a project that has brought together the government and food companies to introduce healthier options into people's daily shopping baskets, without significantly altering the taste of the products.

Al Ain Farms Group states that the new formula for their products is designed so that consumers still experience the familiar taste while receiving less sugar. The new versions are also set to hit the market just in time for the school reopening season; a time when milk and dairy consumption in families increases.

This change comes as the UAE has also revised its sweetened beverage tax laws starting from early 2026. Now, the higher the sugar content in a beverage, the higher the tax. Many are already seeing the results on store shelves; low-sugar beverages have become cheaper, while some sweeter products have seen higher prices.

Health officials say the main goal of these changes is to reduce diseases related to high sugar consumption, especially among children and adolescents. Therefore, pressure has increased on manufacturers to gradually make everyday products healthier, without requiring people to completely change their shopping habits.

Source: Gulf News