Consumer perceptions of non-caloric sweeteners and the content of caloric and non-caloric sweeteners in ultra-processed products in Brazil / Percepções do consumidor sobre adoçantes não calóricos e o conteúdo de adoçantes calóricos e não calóricos em produtos ultraprocessados no Brasil

Abstract Food industries are reformulating their products to lower total sugar and caloric content. Caloric sugars are often substituted by or combined with non-caloric sweeteners. Our study analyzed information about the presence, number and type, and content of different sweeteners displayed on the ingredient list of 10 key ultra-processed products (UPP), from 3 different categories. It also assessed consumers' opinions, perceptions and understanding of caloric and non-caloric sugars used in UPPs using data from 12 focus group discussions. Results indicate a large diversity in sweeteners, frequent use of a combination of multiple caloric and non-caloric sweeteners, often in the same product, and a lack of disclosure of the amounts of non-caloric sweeteners on the nutrition labels. Qualitative analysis reflected the inconsistency of information on nutrition labels and the challenges in compliance with regulations. Participants were unsure about the different types of sweeteners, examples of artificial sweeteners and their potential health consequences. Presenting clearer additive and nutrition information would facilitate consumer comprehension and support healthy food choices.

Resumo Indústrias alimentícias estão reformulando produtos para reduzir a quantidade total de açúcar. Para reduzir a densidade calórica e manter o dulçor de seus produtos, açúcares são combinados com edulcorantes. Esse estudo teve como objetivo analisar as informações sobre a presença, número e tipo, e conteúdo de diferentes edulcorantes exibidos na lista de ingredientes de 10 produtos ultraprocessados, de 3 categorias diferentes. O estudo também avaliou as percepções e entendimento dos consumidores sobre adoçantes calóricos e não calóricos usados em produtos ultraprocessados, através da análise de discussões com 12 grupos focais. Observou-se combinação de açúcares com edulcorantes no mesmo produto e, frequentemente, ausência das quantidades dos edulcorantes nos rótulos nutricionais. Esses produtos voltados a crianças oferecem calorias reduzidas às custas do aumento da variedade e concentração desses edulcorantes. Os participantes mostraram-se confusos sobre os diferentes tipos de adoçantes e edulcorantes e suas possíveis consequências à saúde. Apresentar informações mais claras sobre os ingredientes e nutrição facilitariam a compreensão dos consumidores e os apoiariam em escolhas alimentares saudáveis.

Nutrition labelling: an exploratory study on personal factors that influence the practice of reading nutrition labels among adolescents

@# Introduction: The consumption of processed food is increasing in developing countries. Nutrition labels on food packaging are important for the education of consumers, particularly adolescents, to help them make healthier food choices. However, there is evidence to suggest that adolescents generally do not use nutrition labels. This study aims to explore the personal factors that influence the practice of Malaysian adolescents in reading nutrition labels. Methods: The participants were adolescents, aged 13-16 years, from five public schools in Negeri Sembilan. Five semi-structured focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted. The participants discussed their personal views, knowledge and perceptions regarding the use of nutrition labels and food selection. Data gathered from the FGDs were coded through thematic analysis using the NVivo software. Results: While the participants were familiar with nutrition labels, their usage was relatively low during food selection due to the lack of interest in nutrition information, past experiences, hunger and cravings, time constraints and the taste of the food. The main reasons for using nutrition labels were health consciousness and their curiosity about specific nutrition information provided on the labels. The majority of participants believed that information provided on the labels was accurate because it was provided by reliable institutions. There was also misperception among some participants, mixing up nutrition labels with list of ingredients and the expiry dates. A few participants were unconvinced by the labels and stated that the labels provided misleading information. Conclusion: Personal factors such as knowledge, misperception, awareness and trust significantly impact how adolescents read nutrition labels.

Dietary Behaviors, Processed Food Preferences and Awareness Levels of Nutrition Labels among Female University Students Living in Middle Region by Breakfast Eating

The purpose of this study was to examine the dietary behaviors, processed food preferences, and awareness levels of nutrition labels among female university students living in middle region by breakfast eating. A total of 243 students (breakfast eating group: 153, breakfast skipping group: 90) were surveyed from April to May of 2011. The results are summarized as follows: Skipping breakfast (SB) group had a significantly higher frequency of skipping lunch and dinner compared with the eating breakfast (EB) group (P<0.05, P<0.01, respectively). In the EB group, food labels were identified sometimes (31.8%), frequently (29.1%), and rarely (28.5%). In the SB group, food labels were identified rarely (33.3%), sometimes (27.8%), and frequently (26.7%). The EB group used food labels for comparing price and weight of products more frequently than the SB group (P<0.05). In the EB group, nutrition labels were identified sometimes (38.0%), frequently (28.1%), and rarely (24.8%). In the SB group, nutrition labels were identified rarely (32.6%), sometimes (30.3%), and frequently (21.4%). The EB group used food labels for identifying nutrient contents more often and for weight control more less than the SB group (P<0.05, P<0.05, respectively). The main reason for not identifying nutrition label of the processed foods was 'not being interested (55.5%)' in the SB group (P<0.05). Therefore, education programs that emphasize the importance of eating breakfast, and reading food and nutrition labels need to be developed for university students.

Reading and Understanding of Food & Nutrition Labels and Dietary Behaviors of Female Middle and High School Students

This study investigated the use and understanding of food and nutrition labels in 498 female adolescents (middle school students: MS 248, high school students: HS 250) in Gyeonggi-do. Fifty percent of the MS and 47.2% of the HS read food labels, and the most common reasons for reading labels were to find a product's expiration date and price. The food label information considered most important by the subjects was the name of the manufacturing company and expiration date. Over 80% of the subjects read nutrition labels. The MS read nutrition labels to find nutrients and their amounts in foods, while the HS read labels mostly in an effort to control body weight. These subjects gave more attention to calories and fat, the nutrients related to body weight, than to other nutrients. The subjects were highly aware of the necessity and positive effects of nutrition labels, because they believed labels could make it easier for them to choose healthy foods. However, scores for understanding nutrition labels showed the subjects failed to understand label information accurately. Generally, the MS showed better dietary behaviors than HS. But the HS had significantly higher scores than MS for the item "know relative weight with height." Those that read food labels had significantly better BMIs, dietary behaviors, and awareness and understanding of nutrition labels. There were significant positive relationships among awareness & understanding of nutrition labels and subjects' dietary behaviors. The study findings can be utilized to better plan nutrition education programs aiming to improve use and awareness of food and nutrition labels among adolescents.

Using and Understanding of Nutrition Labels and Related Factors among Female Adults in the Seoul Area / 대한지역사회영양학회지

The purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence of nutrition label use and its association with demographic, weight control related factors, and diet among female adults in the Seoul area. Also, the study subjects' comprehension of nutrition labels was examined using objective measures. 279 females, between ages of 20 and 49, participated in this study. 66% of the participants reported to always or often use nutrition labels when purchasing foods. Nutrition label use was significantly higher among participants who were interested in losing weight and have more knowledge on nutrition, but significantly lower among subjects who were underweight (p < 0.05). Label users had higher fruit consumption and lower intake of fatty foods and snacks (p < 0.01). Only 20% of participants answered correctly regarding questions about the total amount of calories and fats contained in the entire food package tested, and only 15% answered correctly on questions about understanding of the % daily value. Comprehension of nutrition labels were significantly lower among participants who were less educated, underweight, and married (p < 0.05). In conclusion, our study suggests that proper use of nutrition labels may improve food choices and enable healthy dietary practices. Further efforts are needed to provide public a nutrition education program on how to read nutrition labels. Modifications of nutrition labels to make it easier to understand by the public should also be considered.