A large-scale reform is launching in Spain that will impact the eating habits of millions of families. Authorities have announced new restrictions that will directly affect what children and teenagers eat and drink. From now on, advertising unhealthy foods and selling energy drinks to minors under 16 will be strictly prohibited. This decision comes in response to alarming data on rising obesity rates among young people and increased consumption of ultra-processed foods.
Regulations for schools are changing
Starting April 2025, all school cafeterias in the country will be required to offer only healthy meals. The menu will now feature fresh fruits and vegetables every day, while sweet pastries, soda, and energy drinks will completely disappear from students’ diets. Vending machines in educational institutions will offer only products that meet the strict criteria of the World Health Organization. This means children will no longer have access to sugary drinks and processed foods during school hours.
Authorities have also limited the number of ready-made and ultra-processed foods in school meals. These will now be available no more than twice a week, and for younger students, such products are eliminated entirely. Experts believe these measures will help reduce the risk of chronic diseases in the younger generation.
Hospitals and nursing homes
The changes will affect not only schools, but also other social institutions. In hospitals and nursing homes, at least 80% of the food and drink options in vending machines must now consist of healthy choices: water, fresh fruit, unsweetened dairy products, unsalted and unsweetened nuts, as well as wholegrain bread and sandwiches. Coffee and tea will be served without sugar by default, with sugar available only upon request and in limited quantities.
For those living in institutions on a permanent basis, the intake of ultra-processed foods will also be strictly limited. In children’s nutrition, such products are completely banned. According to Ale Espanol, these measures are a response to alarming studies linking regular consumption of ultra-processed foods to an increase in cases of diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and premature mortality.
Advertising under control
Special attention is given to advertising. According to the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, children in Spain are exposed to up to 11 commercials for unhealthy products every day. The new initiative provides for a complete ban on such advertising targeted at minors. More than 80% of Spaniards support these restrictions, and half of those surveyed believe the ban should also extend to young people under 18.
In the near future, the authorities will introduce a separate bill that will definitively establish these rules. It will also include a ban on the sale of energy drinks to teenagers under 16. Previous similar initiatives failed due to disagreements between ministries, but now public support and alarming statistics have compelled the government to take decisive action.
Context and consequences
In recent years, Spain has experienced a sharp rise in the consumption of ultra-processed foods: over the past two decades, their share in the diet has grown from 11% to 32%. This has led to an increase in the number of children who are overweight or obese. The authorities are confident that the new measures will help change the situation and restore the popularity of traditional Mediterranean cuisine.
Concerns about the quality of baby food in Spain have repeatedly sparked public debate. For example, a recent case in the country involved mass hospitalizations of infants after consuming substandard formula—read more about this in the article on cases of baby poisoning after the recall of infant formula. These incidents underscore the importance of controlling not only advertising but also the quality of products that end up on children’s plates.
Other European countries are also tightening regulations on children’s nutrition. The UK and France already have restrictions on advertising and sales of sugary drinks and fast food to minors. In Germany, a complete ban on energy drinks for teenagers is under discussion. Spain, meanwhile, is opting for a comprehensive approach—monitoring menus, vending machines, advertising, and the sale of unhealthy beverages. These measures are expected to help reduce obesity rates among young people and improve the health of future generations.
