Calluna yep I can definitely see how take away can add significantly to a families food costs, its one of the first things we cut out/reduce when trying to make savings

If you look at from the perspective of a shopping trolley full of frozen chips and other processed foods compared to that of one full of fresh produce, to feed a family for a week it does end up cheaper to buy the less healthy stuff as shown in these studies which is a real shame IMO

ETA The SCACOSS report looks at grocery items rather than takeaway, although the article here doesn't really make that clear sorry

I think funds from a 'junk tax' would be well spent on educating people how to eat a healthy diet on a budget, unortunately not everyone has the knowledge of how to eat well/shop well especially when there are budget constraints