Dolmio and Uncle Ben's warning: '˜Don't eat our products more than once a week'

Mars Food will divide its range into products that can be eaten every day or only occasionally as part of a scheme to encourage healthier eating.

The firm will also cut the amount of salt and sugar used in some of its recipes and increase the use of whole grains.

Shoppers will begin to see the new guidance appearing on websites within the next few months.

Fiona Dawson, the global president of Mars Food, Drinks and Multisales, said: “To maintain the authentic nature of the recipe, some Mars Food products are higher in salt, added sugar or fat.

“As these products are not intended to be eaten daily, Mars Food will provide guidance to consumers on-pack and on its website regarding how often these meal offerings should be consumed within a balanced diet.

“The Mars Food website will be updated within the next few months with a list of ‘occasional’ products - those to be enjoyed once per week - and a list of ‘everyday’ products - including those to be reformulated over the next five years to reduce sodium, sugar, or fat.”

How healthy are your Dolmio favourites?

Original Cheesy lasagne sauce Per 94g serving

Fat - 7.6g (11% daily total)

Saturates 3g (15% daily total)

Sugar - 2.2g (2% daily total)

Salt - 0.7 (12% daily total)

Creamy tomato pasta bake sauce Per 125g serving

Fat - 6.6g (9% daily total)

Saturates 2.3g (12% daily total)

Sugar - 7.3g (8% daily total)

Salt - 1g (17% daily total)

Classic basil pesto Per 45g serving

Fat - 23.4g (33% daily total)

Saturates 3.3g (16% daily total)

Sugar - 1.5 (2% daily total)

Salt - 0.6g (10% daily total)

Carbonara pasta bake sauce Per 120g serving

Fat - 12.7g (18% daily total)

Saturates 4g (20% daily total)

Sugar - 3.1 (3% daily total)

Salt - 0.9g (16% daily total)