Muller's gin-flavoured yoghurts 'counterproductive to public health', says doctor

‘The creation of alcohol-inspired yoghurts seems unnecessary,' tweets NHS clinical commissioning group chair

The yoghurt will be promoted by English athlete Katarina Johnson-Thompson.

A senior GP has criticised yoghurt manufacturer Muller for creating gin-flavoured products containing 0.5 per cent alcohol.

Dr Nigel Wells, clinical chair of the Vale of York NHS clinical commissioning group, which buys NHS services on behalf of the public, said the new yoghurts were “counterproductive to public health.”

He tweeted: “Have we not got enough issues with alcohol related health problems."

Dr Wells added: “Given the problems we have with alcohol as a society – which is very visible in our GP practices and A&E departments – the creation of alcohol inspired yoghurts seems unnecessary and counterproductive to public health.

“I welcome public discussion and debate around our use of alcohol, which clearly can be enjoyed sensibly, but in light of the dry January campaign and the health benefits it brings I question whether this product is really necessary.”

The German dairy giant, which sponsors British Athletics, is marketing a six-pack of gin-flavoured yoghurts on its website.

It said the yoghurt would be promoted by English athlete Katarina Johnson-Thompson who won the heptathlon gold medal at the 2019 World Championships.

The product was first launched in October 2019 and Muller said the snack was fat free, high in protein and contained no added sugar.

Muller said the yoghurt could be "enjoyed regularly as part of a healthy balanced diet".

Michael Inpong, chief marketing officer added: “With constant shifting consumer behaviour, we need to find smart ways to grow the brand and drive category growth.”