The campaign group Consensus Action on Salt and Health (Cash) has issued a warning after studies revealed that many shop-bought hot chocolate products contain more salt per serving than a bag of ready salted crisps.

Research revealed that Galaxy Ultimate Marshmallow Hot Chocolate powder contains 2.5g of salt per 100g. This is way above the target of 0.15g per 100g advised by Public Health England. A spokesperson for the manufacturer, Mars, suggested that the product was meant to be an “indulgent treat”; however, Public Health England believes more needs to be done to lower salt content. The maximum recommended daily intake for an adult is 6g.

Researchers from Cash found that the only products to meet recommended guidelines were bread rolls when analysing a host of popular food products. Using the Foodswitch app, they also compared two baskets, which contained similar foods that had varying salt content. The difference between the baskets was 57g of salt. The app enables you to use your phone to scan the barcode of popular products and determine the salt content. It also gives you healthier options and alternative ideas.

Nutritionist and campaign director at the group, Katharine Jenner, described salt as a “forgotten killer” and urged people to pay attention to the salt content of the foods they buy. Using apps like Foodswitch makes it much faster and easier to eat a healthier diet.

Professor of cardiovascular medicine at Queen Mary University of London and Cash chairman, Prof Graham MacGregor, said that the findings were representative of a “national scandal.”