scholarly journals Yoghurt and dairy snacks presented for sale to an Australian consumer: are they becoming less healthy?

2009 ◽  
Vol 13 (7) ◽  
pp. 1036-1041 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karen Z Walker ◽  
Julie Woods ◽  
Jamie Ross ◽  
Rachel Hechtman
Keyword(s):  
Energy Content ◽  
Sugar Content ◽  
Saturated Fat ◽  
Nutrition Information ◽  
High Fat ◽  
Nutrient Quality ◽  
Traffic Lights ◽  
Nutrient Profiling ◽  
Total Fat

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the nutrient profile of yoghurts and dairy desserts.DesignNutrition information panels and product labels on yoghurts and dairy desserts offered for sale were surveyed in 2005 and 2008 and nutrients analysed by two nutrient profiling systems.SettingA large supermarket in metropolitan Melbourne, Australia.ResultsIn total, 248 and 140 dairy snacks (yoghurt, fromage frais or dairy desserts) were surveyed in 2005 and 2008, respectively. Over this time, median packet size rose significantly (P≤ 0·001). In yoghurts, median energy and total fat content also increased while protein decreased (allP< 0·05). The proportion of ‘full-fat’ products rose from 36 % to 46 %. Because of the addition of sugar, most ‘reduced-fat’ yoghurts had energy content similar to many ‘full-fat’ yoghurts. Overall, the proportion of yoghurts and dairy desserts that were ‘less healthy’ (i.e. displaying one or more ‘red traffic lights’ for high fat, saturated fat, salt and sugar content) rose from 12 % in 2005 to 23 % in 2008. Only 1–2 % could be deemed ‘healthy’ by the most stringent criterion (displaying four ‘green traffic lights’), while 21 % (2005) or 28 % (2008) were ‘healthy’ by a nutrient profiling system that included a score for protein. Sucrose, the most common sweetener, was found in levels up to 29 g/100 g. Claims on packaging mainly related to Ca, fat or protein content. Few labels referred to sugar content.ConclusionsThe deterioration in nutrient quality of yoghurts needs to be redressed.

scholarly journals The Effects of a Supermarket-Based Intervention on the Nutritional Quality of Private-Label Foods: A Prospective Study

Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (6) ◽  
pp. 1692 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daisy H. Coyle ◽  
Jason HY Wu ◽  
Gian Luca Di Tanna ◽  
Maria Shahid ◽  
Fraser Taylor ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nutritional Quality ◽  
Energy Content ◽  
Sugar Content ◽  
Saturated Fat ◽  
Nutrient Content ◽  
Private Label ◽  
Relative Reduction ◽  
Star Rating ◽  
Private Label Products

Private-label products, products owned by supermarkets, are a growing area of the food supply. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of an intervention that provided an Australian supermarket (‘intervention supermarket’) with comparative nutrition data to improve the healthiness of their private-label range. Between 2015 and 2016, the intervention supermarket received reports that ranked the nutritional quality of their products against competitors. Changes in the nutrient content (sodium, sugar, saturated fat, energy and Health Star Rating) of products from the intervention supermarket between 2015 and 2018 were compared against changes achieved for three comparators (private-label products from two other supermarkets and branded products). The intervention supermarket achieved a significantly greater reduction in the sodium content of their products relative to all three comparators, which ranged between −104 and −52 mg/100 g (all p < 0.05). Conversely, the three comparators each achieved a greater relative reduction in the sugar content of their products by between −3.5 and −1.6 g/100 g (all p < 0.05). One of the comparators also had a greater relative reduction in the saturated fat and energy content of their products compared to the intervention supermarket (both p <0.05). There were negligible differences in the Health Star Rating of products between the intervention supermarket and comparators (all p > 0.05). Providing comparative nutrition information to a supermarket may be ineffective in improving the healthiness of their private-label products, likely due to competing factors that play a role in the decision-making process behind product reformulation and product discontinuation/innovation.

scholarly journals Reformulation and Priorities for Reducing Energy Density; Results from a Cross-Sectional Survey on Fat Content in Pre-Packed Cakes and Biscuits Sold in British Supermarkets

Nutrients ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 1216 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roberta Alessandrini ◽  
Feng J. He ◽  
Kawther M. Hashem ◽  
Monique Tan ◽  
Graham A. MacGregor
Keyword(s):  
Energy Density ◽  
Energy Range ◽  
Sugar Content ◽  
Saturated Fat ◽  
Fat Content ◽  
Calorie Intake ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Total Fat

Cakes and biscuits contribute to energy, total and saturated fat and sugar in British diets. So far, the UK government has prompted manufacturers to reduce energy density in these products through a reduction of their sugar content. We conducted a cross-sectional survey of the fat content of cakes and biscuits available in nine UK supermarket chains. In cakes (n = 381), the mean total fat content was 17.9 ± 5.2 g/100 g (39% of the overall energy); range (1.4–35.6 g/100 g) and the average saturated fat content in cakes was 5.9 ± 3.4 g/100 g (13% of the overall energy); range (0.3–20 g/100 g). In biscuits (n = 481), the mean total fat content was 21.8 g ± 6.3 g/100 g (40% of the overall energy); range (0.7–38.9 g/100 g) and the average saturated fat content was 11.4 ± 4.9 g/100 g (23% of the overall energy); range (0.3–22.3 g/100 g). In both cakes and biscuits, total and saturated fat content was positively correlated with energy density. Our results show that cakes and biscuits sold in UK supermarkets are high in total and saturated fat, and that fat content contributes substantially to product energy density. Fat reformulation in these products would effectively reduce energy density, calorie intake and help prevent obesity. Fat reformulation should be implemented simultaneously with sugar reformulation and be focused on saturated fat, as this will have the additional effect of lowering LDL cholesterol.

scholarly journals Revision of food-based dietary guidelines for Ireland, Phase 1: evaluation of Ireland's food guide

2011 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 518-526 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mary AT Flynn ◽  
Clare M O'Brien ◽  
Gemma Faulkner ◽  
Cliona A Flynn ◽  
Magda Gajownik ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Energy Content ◽  
Phase 1 ◽  
Saturated Fat ◽  
Dietary Guidelines ◽  
Portion Size ◽  
Portion Sizes ◽  
Food Patterns ◽  
Total Fat ◽  
Gender Groups

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate Ireland's food-based dietary guidelines and highlight priorities for revision.DesignEvaluation with stakeholder input. Energy and nutrient intake goals most appropriate for Ireland were determined. Advice from Ireland's food guide was translated into 4 d food intake patterns representing age and gender groups from 5 to 51+ years. Nutritional content of the food patterns was compared with identified goals and appropriateness of food advice was noted. Feedback from stakeholders was obtained on portion size of foods within the Bread, Cereal and Potato group and of portion descriptors for meat and cereal foods.SettingGovernment agency/community.SubjectsGeneral population aged 5+ years, dietitians/nutritionists (n 44) and 1011 consumers.ResultsGoals were identified for energy, macronutrients, fibre, Fe, Ca and vitamin D. Goals not achieved by the food patterns included energy, total fat, saturated fat, fibre and vitamin D. Energy content of food portions within the Bread, Cereal and Potato group varied widely, yet advice indicated they were equivalent. Dietitians/nutritionists agreed with the majority of consumers surveyed (74 %, n 745) that larger portion sizes within the Bread, Cereal and Potato group were more meaningful. ‘Palm of hand’ as a descriptor for meat portions and a ‘200 ml disposable cup’ for quantifying cereal foods were preferred.ConclusionsRevision of the guidelines requires specific guidance on energy and vitamin D intakes, and comprehensive advice on how to reduce fat and saturated fat and increase fibre intakes. Advice should use portion descriptors favoured by consumers and enlarged portion sizes for breads, cereals and potatoes that are equivalent in terms of energy.

scholarly journals The accuracy of nutrition labels as a means of monitoring the reformulation of food in Ireland - The case of yoghurts

2020 ◽  
Vol 79 (OCE2) ◽  
Author(s):  
S. O'Mahony ◽  
C. B. O'Donovan ◽  
K. McDonald ◽  
O. C. Lyons ◽  
S. F. Quinn ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Energy Content ◽  
Rank Order ◽  
Action Plan ◽  
Sugar Content ◽  
Saturated Fat ◽  
Portion Size ◽  
Rank Test ◽  
Nutrition Labels ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Level Of Agreement

AbstractOver half of the Irish population is overweight or obese. The Obesity Policy and Action Plan 2016–2025 will set reformulation targets for fat, saturated fat and sugar in Ireland and review progress. In 2016, the Food Safety Authority of Ireland undertook a cross-sectional market scan of yoghurts to evaluate the energy, fat, saturated fat and sugar content based solely on declared nutrition labels. The aims of this 2018 study were to verify the accuracy of declared nutrition information on yoghurts and to confirm the suitability of declared nutrition labels for energy, fat, saturated fat and sugar reformulation monitoring.Yoghurts identified in the 2016 market scan (n578) were weighted based on categorisation of manufacturer type (branded, own brand), product category (natural, flavoured and luxury) and declared nutrition content. Samples (n200) were randomly selected from these weighted groups and tested by a laboratory accredited for energy, fat, saturated fat, and sugar analysis. Data was analysed using IBM SPSS (version25). As data was not normally distributed, median values were investigated for declared and tested energy, fat, saturated fat and sugar content using Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test and Spearman Rank-Order Correlation.Of the tested yoghurts, 3% (n6), 5% (n9) and 19% (n31) were outside the recommended European Commission (EC) labelling tolerance for fat, saturated fat and sugar, respectively. Tested nutrient content was consistently lower than declared. There was a statistically significant difference in declared vs. tested energy (87kcal vs. 84kcal p = 0.03), fat (2.7 g vs. 2.5 g p < 0.001), and sugar (9.9 g vs. 8.7 g p < 0.001) content per 100 g yoghurt. Declared vs. tested sugar content per 100 g yoghurt was statistically significant across all yoghurt types, including natural (4.8 g vs. 3.4 g p < 0.001), flavoured (9.7 g vs. 8.6 g p < 0.001) and luxury (15 g vs. 13.6 g p = 0.002). There was a statistically significant difference between declared vs. tested fat (2.8 g vs. 2.5 g p < 0.001) and saturated fat (1.9 g vs.1.6 g p = 0.017) content of own brand yoghurts per 100 g. There was a positive correlation between energy content and portion size (r = .2,p < 0.01).There was a high level of agreement between declared vs. tested fat and saturated fat content of yoghurts, but a lower level of agreement between declared vs. tested sugar content of yoghurts. This indicates that declared nutrition labels are suitable for reformulation monitoring of fat and saturated fat, but may not be suitable for sugar. This finding will be further investigated and tested in future work planned for nutrition label verification of other food categories.

scholarly journals Breakfast in Denmark. Prevalence of Consumption, Intake of Foods, Nutrients and Dietary Quality. A Study from the International Breakfast Research Initiative

Nutrients ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (8) ◽  
pp. 1085 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sisse Fagt ◽  
Jeppe Matthiessen ◽  
Camilla Thyregod ◽  
Karsten Kørup ◽  
Anja Biltoft-Jensen
Keyword(s):  
Dietary Fibre ◽  
Economic Status ◽  
Saturated Fat ◽  
Dietary Quality ◽  
Quality Data ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Added Sugar ◽  
Research Initiative ◽  
Total Fat

Breakfast is considered by many to be the most important meal of the day. This study examined the intake of nutrients and foods at breakfast among Danes and the relation to the overall dietary quality. Data were derived from the Danish National Survey on Diet and Physical Activity 2011–2013, a cross-sectional national food consumption study. A total of 3680 participants aged 6–75 years were included in the analyses of breakfast consumption. The Nutrient Rich Food Index 9.3 method was used to examine the overall dietary quality of the diet. The intake of nutrients and foods at breakfast were compared across dietary quality score tertiles by ANCOVA adjusted for energy and socio economic status. Breakfast was eaten frequently by children and adults and contributed with 18–20% of total energy intake. Breakfast was relatively high in dietary fibre, B vitamins, calcium and magnesium and low in added sugar, total fat, sodium, vitamin A and D. A decrease in the intake of added sugar, total fat and saturated fat and an increase in the intake of dietary fibre and most micronutrients were seen across tertiles of dietary quality scores. Commonly consumed foods provided at breakfast in Denmark included bread, breakfast cereals and dairy products as well as water, coffee and juice, while intakes of fruits, vegetables, cakes and soft drinks were low.

scholarly journals Formation and Validation of the Healthy Diet Index (HDI) for Evaluation of Diet Quality in Healthcare

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (5) ◽  
pp. 2362
Author(s):  
Jaana Lindström ◽  
Kirsikka Aittola ◽  
Auli Pölönen ◽  
Katri Hemiö ◽  
Kirsti Ahonen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Saturated Fat ◽  
Glycaemic Index ◽  
Healthy Diet ◽  
Monounsaturated Fat ◽  
Dietary Counselling ◽  
Health Promoting ◽  
Total Fat ◽  
Quality In Healthcare

Lack of tools to evaluate the quality of diet impedes dietary counselling in healthcare. We constructed a scoring for a validated food intake questionnaire, to measure the adherence to a healthy diet that prevents type 2 diabetes (T2D). The Healthy Diet Index (HDI) consists of seven weighted domains (meal pattern, grains, fruit and vegetables, fats, fish and meat, dairy, snacks and treats). We studied the correlations of the HDI with nutrient intakes calculated from 7-day food records among 52 men and 25 women, and associations of HDI with biomarkers and anthropometrics among 645 men and 2455 women. The HDI correlated inversely with total fat (Pearson’s r = −0.37), saturated fat (r = −0.37), monounsaturated fat (r = −0.37), and the glycaemic index of diet (r = −0.32) and positively with carbohydrates (r = 0.23), protein (r = 0.25), fibre (r = 0.66), magnesium (r = 0.26), iron (r = 0.25), and vitamin D (r = 0.27), (p < 0.05 for all). In the linear regression model adjusted for BMI and age, HDI is associated inversely with waist circumference, concentrations of fasting and 2-h glucose and triglycerides in men and women, total and LDL cholesterol in women, and fasting insulin in men (p < 0.05 for all). The HDI proved to be a valid tool to measure adherence to a health-promoting diet and to support individualised dietary counselling.

scholarly journals Effect of fat replacement with modified starch on composition and quality of cream cheese

2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (4) ◽  
pp. 2793-2799
Author(s):  
NABIL MEHANNA ◽  
ABD EL-AZIZ MAHMOUD ◽  
AHMED ELSHENAWY ◽  
RASHAD EL-AHWAL
Keyword(s):  
Milk Fat ◽  
Energy Content ◽  
Modified Starch ◽  
High Fat ◽  
Organoleptic Properties ◽  
Cream Cheese ◽  
Low Calorie ◽  
Storage Energy ◽  
Carbohydrate Contents

This study aims to produce low-calorie cream cheese (CC) to reduce the problems caused by high-fat cream cheese for some consumers by replacing milk fat with modified starch. Milk fat (MF) of buffalo’s milk was partially or fully (0.0, 25, 50, 75 and 100%) replaced by modified starch for making single cream cheese (SCC) or double cream cheese (DCC) aiming to produce low-calorie CC. The cheese samples were analyzed when fresh and after ten days of cold storage. Moisture gradually increased with increasing percentage of replacement and decreased with storage. Replacement of MF decreased protein and increased carbohydrate contents in general, while acidity increased gradually and pH decreased with increasing percentage of replacement and with storage. Energy content was significantly decreased by more replacement of MF and increased by advancing storage. Spreadability of DCC showed the same trend of energy results. Replacement of MF up to 50% improved the organoleptic properties while the full replacement adversely affected the organoleptic properties of CC.

scholarly journals Measuring the healthiness of child-targeted cereals: a study of the FoodSwitch platform in Sweden (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karin Rådholm ◽  
Antoine Mottas ◽  
Veli-Matti Lappi ◽  
Johan Sundström ◽  
Bruce Neal ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Salt Content ◽  
Saturated Fat ◽  
Public Health Issue ◽  
Major Public Health Issue ◽  
Breakfast Cereals ◽  
Star Rating ◽  
Nutritional Characteristics ◽  
Secondary Objective ◽  
Total Fat

BACKGROUND Childhood obesity is a major public health issue. The increase in consumption of foods with poor nutritional value, such as processed foods, contributes to this. Breakfast cereals are often advertised to be a healthy way to start the day, but the healthiness of these products varies greatly. OBJECTIVE Our main objective was to gather information about the nutritional characteristics of breakfast cereals in Sweden and to investigate the healthiness of products targeted at children compared to other cereals. A secondary objective was to evaluate the alignment between the Keyhole symbol and the Health Star Rating. METHODS Ready-to-eat breakfast cereals from the largest Swedish grocery retailers were collected using the FoodSwitch platform. Products were defined as targeting children if they presented features addressed to children on the package. RESULTS In all, information on 261 ready-to-eat cereals were examined. Child-targeted cereals (8%) were higher in sugar (22.3g/100g vs 12.8g/100g, P < .001) and lower in fiber (6.2g/100g vs 9.8g/100g, P < .001) and protein (8.1g/100g vs 10.5g/100g, P < .001). Total fat (3g/100g vs 10.5g/100g, P < .001) and saturated fat (0.8g/100g vs 2.6g /100g, P < .001) were also lower and no difference was found in salt content (P = .61). Fewer child-targeted breakfast cereals displayed an on-pack Keyhole label (5% vs 22%; P = .06) and the mean Health Star Rating values were 3.5 vs 3.8 (P = .07) for child-targeted cereals compared to others. A correlation was found between the Keyhole symbol and the Health Star Rating. CONCLUSIONS Ready-to-eat breakfast cereals targeted at children were less healthy overall compared to products not targeted at children. There is a clear need to improve the nutritional quality of child-targeted cereals.

scholarly journals Nutritional quality of food items on fast-food ‘kids’ menus’: comparisons across countries and companies

2013 ◽  
Vol 17 (10) ◽  
pp. 2263-2269 ◽  
Author(s):  
Erin Hobin ◽  
Christine White ◽  
Ye Li ◽  
Maria Chiu ◽  
Mary Fodor O'Brien ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fast Food ◽  
Nutritional Quality ◽  
Saturated Fat ◽  
Food Chains ◽  
Food Items ◽  
The Usa ◽  
English Speaking ◽  
Total Fat ◽  
The Uk

AbstractObjectiveTo compare energy (calories), total and saturated fats, and Na levels for ‘kids’ menu’ food items offered by four leading multinational fast-food chains across five countries.DesignA content analysis was used to create a profile of the nutritional content of food items on kids’ menus available for lunch and dinner in four leading fast-food chains in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK and the USA.SettingFood items from kids’ menus were included from four fast-food companies: Burger King, Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC), McDonald's and Subway. These fast-food chains were selected because they are among the top ten largest multinational fast-food chains for sales in 2010, operate in high-income English-speaking countries, and have a specific section of their restaurant menus labelled ‘kids’ menus’.ResultsThe results by country indicate that kids’ menu foods contain less energy (fewer calories) in restaurants in the USA and lower Na in restaurants in the UK. The results across companies suggest that kids’ menu foods offered at Subway restaurants are lower in total fat than food items offered at Burger King and KFC, and food items offered at KFC are lower in saturated fat than items offered at Burger King.ConclusionsAlthough the reasons for the variation in the nutritional quality of foods on kids’ menus are not clear, it is likely that fast-food companies could substantially improve the nutritional quality of their kids’ menu food products, translating to large gains for population health.

scholarly journals Nutritional composition of takeaway food in the UK

2014 ◽  
Vol 44 (5) ◽  
pp. 414-430 ◽  
Author(s):  
Agnieszka Jaworowska ◽  
Toni M. Blackham ◽  
Rachel Long ◽  
Catherine Taylor ◽  
Matthew Ashton ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fast Food ◽  
Energy Content ◽  
Portion Size ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Total Sugars ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Nutritional Profile ◽  
Total Fat ◽  
The Uk

Purpose – This paper aims to determine the nutritional profile of popular takeaway meals in the UK. Fast food has a poor nutritional profile; research has focused on the major catering chains, with limited data on takeaway food from independent establishments. Design/methodology/approach – Random samples of takeaway meals were purchased from small, independent takeaway establishments. Multiple samples of 27 different takeaway meals, from Indian, Chinese, kebab, pizza and English-style establishments (n = 489), were analysed for portion size, energy, protein, carbohydrate, total fat, salt and total sugars. Findings – Takeaway meals were inconsistent with UK dietary recommendations; pizzas revealed the highest energy content, and Chinese meals were lowest in total fat. However, there was a high degree of variability between and within categories, but the majority of meals were excessive for portion size, energy, macronutrients and salt. Research limitations/implications – The present study focused on energy, macronutrients, salt and total sugars. Future research should analyse the quality of fat and carbohydrates and micronutrients to provide a more detailed nutritional profile of takeaway food. Practical implications – The nutritional variability between establishments suggests that recipe reformulation should be explored in an attempt to improve the nutritional quality of takeaway foods. In addition, portion size reduction could favour both the consumer and the industry. Social implications – Takeaway outlets do not provide nutritional information; due to the excessive nutritional profiles, regular intake may increase the risk of non-communicable disease. Therefore, there is a pressing need for this provision to help consumers make conscious food choices. Originality/value – This is the first study to analyse energy and macronutrient content of independent takeaway meals in the UK.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document