Fans of sweet treats may not have to put down their chocolate hamper just yet; as new research suggests low-fat foods are not much healthier than their original counterparts.

An investigation by Which? found many low-fat products contain almost as many calories as standard versions and in some cases considerably more sugar.

The study revealed that six out of ten consumers regularly eat light foods in a bid to make their diet healthier or lose weight.

However, a comparison of several items found little difference, with McVitie's chocolate digestive one example.

The popular sweet treat contains 85 calories, compared with 77 in the light version.

Which? also discovered there are misconceptions among consumers about what the terms reduced fat and light mean, with items stating this only having 30 per cent less fat than the standard version.

The research was carried out as part of the body's call for clearer labelling on supermarket packaging, so consumers can make more informed choices.