Greggs unveils new ‘healthy’ sourdough pasty which has the same calories as a McDonald’s cheeseburger

IT'S best known for steak bakes, sausage rolls and cheese pasties.

But bakery chain Greggs has turned its hand to healthier snacks - and is set to launch a range of "healthy" pasties, made with a sourdough alternative to traditional puff pastry, this week.

The new "healthy pasties", which have either a chicken katsu curry or Bombay potato filling, come in at under 300 calories each - and contain approximately 66 per cent less fat than the iconic steak bake.

The range comes as researchers predict that by 2025 Britain will be the fattest country in Europe - with an obesity level of 38 per cent - sparking concerns about obesity-related illnesses.

It also follows the introduction of Greggs' under-400 calories Balanced Choice range - a selection of salads, falafel and noodles which now make up 10 per cent of all sales.

And Greggs isn't the first chain to test the waters when it comes to healthy alternatives. Last week, Pizza Express launched a selection of frozen "Artisana" sourdough pizzas in Iceland - and earlier this year Bella Italia became one of the first to offer customers spiralised vegetables.

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Greggs' group chief executive Roger Whiteside said: "Greggs is well-loved for its traditional pasties, but we recognise that our customers are increasingly looking for lower calorie and lower fat options and want to eat healthy choices.

"All the research says Greggs is a brand which appeals right across the whole spectrum of consumers. We want them to come more frequently."

Meanwhile, Malcolm Clark., coordinator of the Children’s Food Campaign, which is part of the Obesity Health Alliance, praised the move - but warned people may still give in to the temptation of fat-laden pastries and sweet treats.

He said: "Providing healthy options is a good step, but making healthier food the standard promoted item and standard customer choice would be much better.

"Hungry customers’ good intentions may still often crumble at the sight of cheaper, less healthy savoury snacks and the rows of doughnuts and other iced goodies tempting them."