The Impact of Supermarkets on South Africa’s Dietary Habits and the Growing Obesity Crisis
In South Africa, the phrase “you are what you eat” has taken on a troubling meaning. The nation’s leading supermarkets are prioritizing unhealthy food options, shaping dietary habits at home, and contributing to a growing obesity crisis, not only within South Africa but potentially across the African continent.
Recent studies indicate that South Africa’s adult obesity rate has reached a staggering 30.8%, nearly three times higher than the Sub-Saharan African average of 11.4%. This alarming trend is largely driven by consumers’ preference for cheaper, ultra-processed options found prominently on supermarket shelves.
Retail Assessment: Examining Nutritional Impact
The Access to Nutrition Initiative (ATNi), a global foundation based in the Netherlands, conducted an in-depth analysis of major South African retailers such as Shoprite, Pick n Pay, and Spar. This assessment, part of a broader study that encompassed six countries—including the US, France, Kenya, Indonesia, and the Philippines—revealed concerning trends in retail promotions and food offerings.
The study showed that unhealthy options, such as sugary drinks, snacks, and ready-to-eat meals, dominate promotional space, accounting for between 50% to 80% of featured deals. In stark contrast, nutritious items like fruits, vegetables, and legumes received minimal visibility.
The Cost of Healthy Eating
According to ATNi’s South Africa Retail Assessment 2025, the financial burden of eating healthily is significant; healthier food baskets are approximately 30% more expensive than their less healthy counterparts. This context has been exacerbated by a cost-of-living crisis, making it increasingly challenging for South Africans to prioritize nutrition in their diets.
Greg Garrett, Executive Director of ATNi, highlighted the implications of these dietary choices. With only 30% of products classified as healthier, the majority of consumers are naturally drawn to lower-cost, less nutritious foods, which could place an overwhelming strain on the healthcare system due to their low micronutrient content.
Nutritional Breakdown of South African Supermarkets
The ATNi analysis assessed a total of 3,496 private-label products across these three major retailers. Alarmingly, only 37% met the Health Star Rating threshold of 3.5 or higher, indicating they could be classified as ‘healthier.’ Meanwhile, about 87% of products were deemed unhealthy, characterized by high levels of fat, salt, or sugar, along with markers of ultra-processed foods.
Promotional strategies across all three supermarket chains followed a similar pattern. Less than a quarter of promotional materials was dedicated to healthier products, while refined grains, snacks, and sugary beverages dominated marketing efforts. This trend is not unique to South Africa but is also reflected in global patterns.
The Scale of Unhealthy Options
Among the retailers analyzed, Spar presented the highest proportion of unhealthy products at 67%, followed by Shoprite at 62%, and Pick n Pay at 53%. However, Shoprite did offer the most healthier options among private-label products, with 41% classified as such, while Pick n Pay and Spar followed at 38% and 28%, respectively.
Experts assert that these unhealthy products do not align with public health guidelines and may lead to chronic health issues, further increasing future healthcare costs for the population.
Policy and Structural Challenges
Public health experts emphasize that the issue extends beyond individual consumer choice, with significant structural influences on food accessibility. Despite South Africa having health policies aimed at countering these challenges, effective implementation remains elusive.
Yolanda Radu, a senior researcher at the SAMRC/Wits Centre for Health Economics and Decision Science, warned that unhealthy diets incur direct healthcare costs and reduce productivity in the long run, undermining South Africa’s planned National Health Insurance.
She pointed out that proposed labeling regulations and adjustments to the health promotion levy on sugar-sweetened beverages could revolutionize the landscape if enacted effectively.
The Broader Implications for Africa
Experts highlight that patterns observed in South African supermarkets serve as a portent for the rest of Africa, with major retail chains rapidly expanding into neighboring countries. Katherine Pittore from ATNi noted, “South Africa is a bellwether for Africa, with very high levels of supermarketisation. Major chains are expanding into neighboring countries, and we’re likely to see their influence on diets across Southern Africa.”
As around 80% of South Africans purchase food from modern retail outlets, the impact on dietary trends will likely reverberate across the continent over the coming decade. The expansion of unhealthy dietary patterns poses a serious risk to public health and overall quality of life.
Retailer Responses and Future Directions
In response to concerns raised by the ATNi report, Pick n Pay reinforced its commitment to promoting healthier choices while balancing affordability. The retailer has championed health initiatives for over a decade and actively participates in the Healthy Food Options Industry Initiative to curb non-communicable diseases.
Spar also acknowledged the importance of this report, stating that it contributes to vital national conversations about improving diet quality. The retailer indicated compliance with current regulations and the continued reformulation of products to meet health standards.
The South African National Department of Health affirmed that the ATNi report reinforces its policy direction, including measures to combat obesity and improve dietary conditions. A spokesman emphasized the need for “stronger accountability mechanisms, improved food environments, and sustained multisectoral collaboration” to tackle this urgent public health challenge effectively.
As South African supermarkets navigate these challenges, maintaining a balance between profitability and public health will be crucial for the nation’s future healthy eating landscape.
