Mars and Snickers bars are changing.

The pair of popular chocolate bars are set to get less sugar and more protein.

The changes from Mars come as part of a healthy makeover.

Launching in January 2019, the classic chocolate bars will soon be packed with 10g of protein and up to 40 per cent less sugar.

It's all part of plans to tackle the soaring obesity rates.

According to the makers, Mars Wrigley Confectionery, Mars 'More Protein' will contain 17.5g of sugar per bar, which is 40 per cent less than the original, while Snickers 'More Protein' will contain 14.1g per bar, which is 30 per cent less.

Later in 2019, the company also plans to launch a new low-calorie range of single-serve bars containing less than 100 calories. This is roughly half the calories in the current bars.

As well as Mars and Snickers bars, the single-serve range will include Twix, Milky Way Crispy Rolls and Ripples, according to The Mirror .

The move to healthier treats is being driven by Frenchman David Manzini, who was hired as the firm's UK boss in August last year.

He is keen to bring products to the market that meet the growing "health and wellness agenda", which he sees as a key part of the future for the company.

Despite tinkering with the recipe of the 100-year-old brands, he reassured chocolate-lovers they would be keeping the "signature taste".

Talking to The Grocer magazine, he said: "There is an appetite for novelty, for innovation, new tastes and products, which is higher than in the past.

"I do believe we have a role and responsibility to play, which is why we're bringing out this proposition and why we're going to continue working.

"It is a challenge the Government and the country are facing and we need to support it.

"It is not a business opportunity but a business responsibility."


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