More than 80 leisure facilities across the UK will overhaul their food and beverage offering from the New Year following growing demand for healthier options.

Operator Parkwood Leisure has announced that from January, 95 percent of all drinks sold at its vending machines will have less than 5mg of sugar per 100ml and all confectionery bars will have less than 250kcal.

The recommended calorie intake for healthy adults is 2,000kcal a day for women and 2,500kcal a day for men.

“We’ve seen a gradual move towards the healthier ranges, driven by both our local authority clients and customer demand,” said Matt De’ath, Parkwood Leisure director of catering.

“By implementing these changes and adhering to the same vending criteria as the NHS, Parkwood Leisure is demonstrating its commitment to offering customers healthier food and drink choices to match their active lifestyles.”

The new policy will meet guidelines set within the NHS Commissioning for Quality and Innovation scheme.

Café Vita, the operator’s café brand, will stock flapjacks, oat bars, nuts and seeds, and the dining menu will see the introduction of a breakfast meal deal including porridge and fruit juice, as well as a wider range of high-protein meals.

The 85 sites will also introduce sugar-free fruit gums and sugar-free gummy bears.