UAE Dairy Brands Reduce Sugar to Align with Healthy Living Strategy
In a bid to promote healthier food choices, two leading dairy brands in the UAE, Al Ain Farms and Marmum Dairy, have announced plans to reduce added sugars in their products by 10 to 20 percent. This initiative is set to take effect by September 2026, coinciding with the back-to-school season. The reformulation will include products such as flavored milk, yogurt, and laban, which are widely consumed staples in the country, according to the Al Ain Farms Group (AAFG), the parent company of both brands.
This reduction in sugar is part of Abu Dhabi's broader Healthy Living Strategy, which aims to make nutritious food more accessible. AAFG's reformulation has been developed in collaboration with Healthy Living and the Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council (QCC). Dr. Ahmed AlKhazraji, Executive Director of Healthy Living, noted that improving everyday food is crucial for supporting healthier lifestyles.
In addition to the reformulation, AAFG launched a new healthy product range in April 2026. The updated versions of existing products are expected to be available in September, aligning with the return of children to school. Hassan Safi, Group CEO, emphasized the group's commitment to responsible product development by improving the nutritional profile of their products without compromising taste or quality.
Al Ain Farms, founded in 1981 by Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, produces 350 million liters of dairy annually. The company raises approximately 22,000 cows on local farms designed for the UAE climate.
The announcement of sugar reduction comes amidst the UAE's changes to its tax policy on sweetened beverages, which now employs a tiered system linking taxes to sugar content. Although flavored dairy products are exempt from these excise taxes, the initiative by AAFG aligns with the country's strategy to reduce sugar consumption to combat non-communicable diseases.
Eng Abdulla Hassan Al Muaini, Executive Director of the Central Testing Laboratory at QCC, welcomed the initiative, stating that it aligns with the goal of enabling consumers to make informed choices without compromising quality or taste. Healthy Living plans to continue collaborating with government and private sector partners to foster environments conducive to healthier choices, particularly for children and young people.
