As Mid-Autumn festival draws near, the market for mooncakes is making its annual comeback again, especially with some so-called "healthier mooncakes".

Mooncakes with stuffing made with xylitol, a natural sugar alcohol that is used as a sugar substitute, high-Ca and iron supplements are the new "favorite" in the market even though they are three to five time more expensive than the traditional mooncakes.

But experts warn that there is no scientific evidence the "healthier mooncakes" are good for people's health. It is nothing more than the producers' hype.

Due to the price increase of raw materials this year, most mooncakes on sale now are priced around 80 to 200 yuan, higher than in previous years.

Since China introduced a national standard to regulate mooncake prices in June 2006, overpriced mooncakes become rare this year. Starting from September 2007, all mooncakes produced are required to have a "QS" mark, the "identification card" to guarantee food safety.

It is estimated that mooncakes sales will rise 20 percent from that of last year.

(CRIENGLISH.com August 20, 2007)