Holland & Barrett Faces Backlash for 'Menopause Chocolate Bars'

Health food retailer Holland & Barrett has sparked controversy with its latest product: a dark chocolate bar aimed at alleviating menopause symptoms. The £3.79 snack, which contains "menopause almonds" and an extract called "affron," claims to support mood and regulate hormonal activity. However, critics argue that the product is exploitative and unhelpful, urging women to seek proper medical advice instead.

The Claims and the Backlash

Holland & Barrett's dark chocolate bar, marketed as a solution for menopause symptoms, contains vitamin B6 and affron, a saffron extract. The company asserts that these ingredients help support mood and hormonal regulation. However, menopause campaigner Kate Muir has criticized the product as a "ridiculous money-making" scheme that exploits vulnerable women.

In an interview with The Daily Mail, Muir emphasized the seriousness of hormone deficiency and the mental health struggles many women face during perimenopause. She highlighted the need for proper medical support from the NHS rather than relying on products like this chocolate bar. Muir pointed out the peak in suicide rates among women experiencing perimenopause, stressing that the issue requires serious medical attention.

Concerns Over Efficacy and Nutritional Content

The chocolate bars' packaging indicates they contain 462 calories and 20 grams of fat, which constitute a significant portion of the daily allowance for women. Despite Holland & Barrett's claims about the benefits of affron, the extract has only been tested in one small 2021 trial, which did not find any significant effects on physical menopause symptoms. The trial was also sponsored by the extract's makers, raising questions about its impartiality.

Social media reactions have been largely negative, with some users describing the product as "insulting to the female race." The controversy adds to the broader conversation about the commercialization of women's health issues and the potential for misleading products in the market.

The Women's Health Market

The backlash against Holland & Barrett's chocolate bar comes amid growing attention to the women's health market in the UK. A study by Insights10, a healthcare-focused market research firm, estimated that this market will reach $824 million (£677 million) by 2030. This growth reflects increasing awareness and demand for products addressing women's health needs, but also raises concerns about the quality and efficacy of such products.

Holland & Barrett's Response

In response to the criticism, a spokesperson for Holland & Barrett defended the product, stating that the company supports greater awareness and education on menopause and menstrual health. They described the Almonds in Dark Chocolate with Benefits Bar as "delicious dark chocolate with affron," which has been clinically studied for its mood-supporting properties during menopause. The bar also contains vitamin B6, which is known to help regulate hormonal activity.

The spokesperson emphasized the retailer's commitment to supporting women's health through various initiatives. However, the controversy highlights the delicate balance between providing helpful products and appearing to exploit health concerns for profit.

Conclusion

Holland & Barrett's menopause chocolate bar has ignited a debate about the commercialization of women's health products. While the company defends the bar as a beneficial snack, critics argue it exploits vulnerable women and diverts them from seeking proper medical care. This incident underscores the importance of scrutinizing health products and ensuring they genuinely benefit consumers.