scholarly journals Nutritional Quality of Plant-Based Meat Products Available in the UK: A Cross-Sectional Survey

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (12) ◽  
pp. 4225
Author(s):  
Roberta Alessandrini ◽  
Mhairi K. Brown ◽  
Sonia Pombo-Rodrigues ◽  
Sheena Bhageerutty ◽  
Feng J. He ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Energy Density ◽  
Salt Content ◽  
Meat Products ◽  
Saturated Fat ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Product Packaging ◽  
Nutrient Profile ◽  
Total Fat ◽  
The Uk

Plant-based meat (PBM) has been gaining popularity due to increasing concerns over health, animal welfare, and environmental issues linked to animal foods. This study aimed to compare the nutrient profile of PBM with equivalent meat products. We conducted a cross-sectional survey of 207 PBM and 226 meat products available from 14 retailers in the UK. We extracted data on energy density, total and saturated fat, protein, fiber, and salt per 100 g from product packaging and calculated the nutrient profile of each product. Compared to meat, PBM had significantly lower energy density, total fat, saturated fat, protein, and significantly higher fiber. Salt content was significantly higher in five out of six PBM categories. Based on the UK’s Nutrient Profiling Model, 14% of PBM and 40% of meat products were classified as “less healthy” (p < 0.001). When considering the UK’s front-of-pack labelling criteria 20% of the PBM and 46% of meat products were considered high in either total fat, saturated fat, or salt (p < 0.001). Nearly three quarters of PBM products did not meet the current UK salt targets. PBM products have a better nutrient profile compared to meat equivalents. However, more progress is needed to reduce salt in these products.

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 Reformulation and priorities for reducing energy density; a survey on fat content in cakes and biscuits sold in British supermarkets

2020 ◽  
Vol 79 (OCE2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Roberta Alessandrini ◽  
Fengjun 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

AbstractCakes and biscuits are widely consumed foods and are important contributors of energy, total and saturated fat and sugar in British diets. So far, the UK government has prompted the food industry to reduce energy density in cakes and biscuits mainly through sugar reformulation. However, a government led evaluation has shown that reducing only sugar has lowered energy density minimally. To assess whether total and saturated fat reformulation could be an additional and more effective mechanism for reducing product energy density we conducted a cross-sectional survey of pre-packed cakes and biscuits available in nine UK supermarkets. We collected nutrition information from product packaging. In cakes (n = 381), the mean total fat content was 17.9 ± 5.2g/100 g (39% of the overall energy); range (1.4–35.6g/100g). The average saturated fat content in cakes was 5.9 ± 3.4g/100 g (13% of the overall energy); range (0.3–20g/100g). The average sugar content in cakes was 36.6 ± 7.6 (34% of the overall energy); range (11.3–62.0g/100g). In biscuits (n = 481) the mean total fat content was 21.8g ± 6.3g/100 g (40% of the overall energy); range (0.7–38.9g/100g) and the average saturated fat content was 11.4 ± 4.9 g/100 g (23% of the overall energy); range (0.3–22.3g/100g). The average sugar content in biscuits was 30.0 ± 9.2 (23% of the overall energy); range (12.0–74.0g/100g). In both cakes and biscuits total and saturated fat, but not sugar content, was positively correlated with energy density. According to the nutrient profiling system used by the government, 57% of cakes and 75% of biscuits would receive a red (high) label for total fats; 54% of cakes and 88% of biscuits and would receive a red label for saturated fat.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. We observed a large variation in total and saturated fat content within each product category. This finding indicates that reformulation to reduce total and saturated fat and energy density is possible as some manufacturers are already producing cake and biscuits with a more healthful nutrient composition and lower energy density. Fat reformulation in cakes and biscuits and similar products would effectively reduce energy density and calorie intake and thereby prevent obesity. We recommend that fat reformulation should be implemented simultaneously with sugar reformulation and to be focussed where possible on saturated fat, as this will have the additional and independent beneficial effect of lowering LDL cholesterol.

scholarly journals Marketing foods to children: a comparison of nutrient content between children's and non-children's products

2013 ◽  
Vol 16 (12) ◽  
pp. 2221-2230 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amelia Lythgoe ◽  
Caireen Roberts ◽  
Angela M Madden ◽  
Kirsten L Rennie
Keyword(s):  
Salt Content ◽  
Saturated Fat ◽  
Nutrient Content ◽  
Sodium Content ◽  
Nutritional Composition ◽  
Portion Size ◽  
Product Packaging ◽  
Total Fat ◽  
Nutritional Data ◽  
Cereal Bars

AbstractObjectiveThe predominance of marketing of products high in fat, sugar and/or salt to children has been well documented and implicated in the incidence of obesity. The present study aimed to determine whether foods marketed to children in UK supermarkets are nutritionally similar to the non-children's equivalent, focusing on food categories that may be viewed as healthier options.DesignNutritional data were collected on yoghurts (n 147), cereal bars (n 145) and ready meals (n 144) from seven major UK supermarkets and categorised as children's or non-children's products based on the characteristics, promotional nature or information on the product packaging. Fat, sugar and salt content was compared per 100 g and per recommended portion size.SettingUK.ResultsPer 100 g, children's yoghurts and cereal bars were higher in total sugars, fat and saturated fat than the non-children's; this was significant for all except sugar and total fat in cereal bars. Per portion these differences remained, except for sugars in yoghurts. Conversely children's ready meals were significantly lower in these nutrients per portion than non-children's, but not when expressed per 100 g. Children's yoghurts and ready meals had significantly lower sodium content than non-children's both per portion and per 100 g.ConclusionsSignificant differences between the nutritional composition of children's and non-children's products were observed but varied depending on the unit reference. A significant number of products marketed towards children were higher in fat, sugar and salt than those marketed to the general population.

scholarly journals College Students’ Perception of the Effectiveness of Vending Machine Interventions to Improve Snack Quality

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 558-558
Author(s):  
Christie Kirchoff ◽  
Karina Abadia ◽  
Cristina Palacios ◽  
Marianna Sanchez
Keyword(s):  
College Students ◽  
Saturated Fat ◽  
South Florida ◽  
Bivariate Analysis ◽  
Snack Food ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Snack Foods ◽  
Vending Machines ◽  
Total Fat

Abstract Objectives The college food environment plays an integral role in student dietary intake during a critical transitional time. Snacking in the US is frequent and even more so among college students, with 98% consuming snacks daily, and about four times per day. Snacking affects overall diet quality by contributing 22% of the total energy, 36% of the total sugar, and 19% of the total fat and saturated fat consumed daily. Vending machines (VM) at colleges are of increased importance because they are used frequently and contain calorie-dense, nutrient-poor, and highly-processed foods. Many schools have attempted to improve the quality of snack foods offered in VMs with a top-down approach that often fails and might decrease VM revenue. This study aims to uncover college students' purchasing habits and preferences for improving snack options. Methods A cross-sectional survey was administered in the Spring of 2019 to a sample of 194 college students examining snacking practices and preferences at a large Hispanic serving university in South Florida. Statistical analysis using SPSS 26 included descriptive statistics and bivariate analysis in determining frequency, percentages, and relationships between VM use and factors influencing snack choice and perception of intervention effectiveness. Results Respondents' ages ranged between 18–40 years old (M = 20.9, SD = 3.10), 91% reported purchasing snack foods from vending machines. Participants who used VM (occasionally or frequently) ranked lowering the price of healthy products (score 3.45 and 3.60, respectively) as the intervention that would be most helpful in choosing a healthy snack. However, participants who rarely or never use VM chose labels indicating which items were healthy (score 3.40) as the most helpful intervention. Significant differences exist between VM users and Non-VM users related to intervention preference. Conclusions Incorporating student perspectives to tailor VM interventions to impact a broader range of VM users and non-users will improve the effectiveness. Without students' perspective, many factors that influence students' snack food choices and how they utilize VMs will be missed. By eliciting student consumers' feedback, Universities can improve food environments to include healthier options without sacrificing revenue. Funding Sources None.

scholarly journals Nutritional quality of prepackaged food that carry health or nutritional claims and their compliance with SFDA regulations in Saudi Arabia

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amal Almughthim ◽  
Hoda Jr
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Nutritional Quality ◽  
Saturated Fat ◽  
Health Claims ◽  
Accurate Information ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Nutrition Claims ◽  
The Uk

Abstract Background Products that carry health or nutrition claims may be perceived by consumers as healthier than those that do not carry claims. Therefore, they will have a more favorable attitude towards it and may also be easily misled about the nutritional profile and may misinterpret it. Nutritional quality of those products should be assessed to protect consumers against being misled and ensuring that they receive accurate information about food products carrying a claim.Methods a cross-sectional survey for a total of 1153 foods were randomly sampled from fourteen stores in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The data were collected from nutritional facts present on food labels and evaluated by comparing the mean level of nutrients between products that carried claims and those that did not using the UK nutrient profile model (UKNPM).Results Overall, 29% of products carried either health or nutritional claims. Only 19.2% of foods that carried health claims met SFDA requirements, while 28.9% of all products that carried nutritional claims met SFDA criteria. The results indicate that products that carried health or nutritional claims were significantly lower in sugar (9.67 g/100 g), fat (9.2 g/100 g), saturated fat (3.2 g/100 g), and sodium (371.36 mg/100 g). According to the UK nutrient profiling model, 46.9% of the products carrying claims were less healthy than those not carrying claims, and statistically significant differences were observed by product origin and category (p=0.005 and p=0.000, respectively).Conclusion a great need for the regulation and monitoring of claims on food packages for the optimal protection of the population’s health.

scholarly journals Salt content of instant noodles in Malaysia: a cross-sectional study

BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. e024702 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chun Han Tan ◽  
Zhen Yee Chow ◽  
Siew Mooi Ching ◽  
Navin Kumar Devaraj ◽  
Feng J He ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Salt Intake ◽  
Salt Content ◽  
High Salt ◽  
Food Label ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Product Packaging ◽  
Salt Reduction ◽  
The Pacific ◽  
Instant Noodles

ObjectiveTo determine the salt content in instant noodles sold in Malaysia.Study designA cross-sectional survey was done involving 707 different flavours and packaging of instant noodles sold in six hypermarkets and retailer chains in Malaysia and the corresponding brand’s official websites in 2017.MethodsThe salt content (gram per serving and per 100 g) was collected from the product packaging and corresponding brand’s official website.ResultsOf the 707 different packaging and flavours of instant noodles, only 62.1% (n=439) provided the salt content in their food label.The mean (±SD) salt per 100 g of instant noodles was 4.3±1.5 g and is nearly four times higher than the salt content of food classified in Malaysia as a high salt content (>1.2 g salt per 100 g). The salt content for instant noodle per packaging ranged from 0.7 to 8.5 g. 61.7% of the instant noodles exceeded the Pacific Salt Reduction Target, 11.8% exceeded the WHO recommended daily salt intake of <5.0 per day and 5.50% exceeded Malaysia Salt Action Target. 98% of instant noodles will be considered as high salt food according to the Malaysia Guidelines.The probability of the instant noodles without mixed flavour (n=324) exceeding the Pacific Salt Reduction Target was tested on univariate and multivariate analysis. Instant noodles with soup, Tom Yam flavour, pork flavour and other flavours were found to be predictors of instant noodles with the tendency to exceed Pacific Salt Reduction Target when compared with instant noodles without mixed flavours (p<0.05).ConclusionOnly 62% of instant noodles displayed the salt content on their food label. Salt content in instant noodles is very high, with 90% exceeding the daily salt intake recommended by WHO. Prompt action from regulatory and health authorities is needed to reduce the salt content in instant noodles.

scholarly journals Nutrient profile of 23 596 packaged supermarket foods and non-alcoholic beverages in Australia and New Zealand

2015 ◽  
Vol 19 (3) ◽  
pp. 401-408 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cliona Ni Mhurchu ◽  
Ryan Brown ◽  
Yannan Jiang ◽  
Helen Eyles ◽  
Elizabeth Dunford ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Energy Density ◽  
Meat Products ◽  
Saturated Fat ◽  
Food Products ◽  
Nutritional Composition ◽  
Health Claims ◽  
Alcoholic Beverages ◽  
Nutrient Profile ◽  
Packaged Food

AbstractObjectiveTo compare the nutrient profile of packaged supermarket food products available in Australia and New Zealand. Eligibility to carry health claims and relationship between nutrient profile score and nutritional content were also evaluated.DesignNutritional composition data were collected in six major Australian and New Zealand supermarkets in 2012. Mean Food Standards Australia New Zealand Nutrient Profiling Scoring Criterion (NPSC) scores were calculated and the proportion of products eligible to display health claims was estimated. Regression analyses quantified associations between NPSC scores and energy density, saturated fat, sugar and sodium contents.ResultsNPSC scores were derived for 23 596 packaged food products (mean score 7·0, range −17 to 53). Scores were lower (better nutrient profile) for foods in Australia compared with New Zealand (mean 6·6 v. 7·8). Overall, 45 % of foods were eligible to carry health claims based on NPSC thresholds: 47 % in Australia and 41 % in New Zealand. However, less than one-third of dairy (32 %), meat and meat products (28 %) and bread and bakery products (27·5 %) were eligible to carry health claims. Conversely, >75 % of convenience food products were eligible to carry health claims (82·5 %). Each two-unit higher NPSC score was associated with higher energy density (78 kJ/100 g), saturated fat (0·95 g/100 g), total sugar (1·5 g/100 g) and sodium (66 mg/100 g; all P values<0·001).ConclusionsFewer than half of all packaged foods available in Australia and New Zealand in 2012 met nutritional criteria to carry health claims. The few healthy choices available in key staple food categories is a concern. Improvements in nutritional quality of foods through product reformulation have significant potential to improve population diets.

scholarly journals Salt and sugars content of breakfast cereals in the UK from 1992 to 2015

2017 ◽  
Vol 20 (8) ◽  
pp. 1500-1512 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sonia Pombo-Rodrigues ◽  
Kawther M Hashem ◽  
Feng J He ◽  
Graham A MacGregor
Keyword(s):  
Salt Intake ◽  
Salt Content ◽  
Nutrition Information ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Product Packaging ◽  
Salt Reduction ◽  
Free Sugars ◽  
Breakfast Cereals ◽  
Sugar Reduction ◽  
The Uk

AbstractObjectiveTo study the salt and sugars content of breakfast cereals sold in the UK between 1992 and 2015.DesignCross-sectional surveys on salt and sugars content collected from the nutrition information panel of breakfast cereals in 1992, 2004, 2006, 2009, 2012 and 2015.SettingAll major UK retailers operating at that moment in time (approximately ten).SubjectsThe salt and sugars content was collected from product packaging and the nutrition information panels.ResultsCereals consistently surveyed across all five years (n22) showed a significant reduction in salt content of 47 % (P<0·001). Sugars content of breakfast cereals (n 15), however, did not show a significant change; 25·65 g/100 g in 1992 and 22·45 g/100 g in 2015 (P=0·170). There was a large variation in salt and sugars content between different categories and within the same type of category.ConclusionsThe study shows the progressive reduction in salt content of breakfast cereals in the UK since 2004 as a result of the successful salt reduction programme, particularly the setting of incremental salt targets. Further reductions in salt content need to be made as cereals remain a major contributor to salt intake. Sugars content, however, has been consistently high due to the lack of a sugar reduction strategy. The research demonstrates that the sugars content of breakfast cereals in the UK is of concern, particularly in children’s breakfast cereals, with a typical serving (30 g) containing a third of a 4–6-year-old’s maximum daily recommendation (19 g/d) for free sugars intake in the UK. More can and should be done to reformulate, with an urgent need to set incremental sugar reduction targets.

scholarly journals Cross-sectional surveys of the amount of sugar, energy and caffeine in sugar-sweetened drinks marketed and consumed as energy drinks in the UK between 2015 and 2017: monitoring reformulation progress

BMJ Open ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (12) ◽  
pp. e018136 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kawther M Hashem ◽  
Feng J He ◽  
Graham A MacGregor
Keyword(s):  
Energy Content ◽  
Energy Drinks ◽  
Caffeine Intake ◽  
Warning Label ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Product Packaging ◽  
Caffeine Content ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Serving Size

ObjectivesTo investigate the sugar, energy and caffeine content of sugar-sweetened drinks marketed and consumed as energy drinks available in the UK.Study designWe carried out a cross-sectional survey in 2015 and 2017 of energy drinks available in the main UK retailers.MethodsThe sugar (sugars g/100 mL), energy (kcal/100 mL), caffeine (mg/100 mL) and serving size were collected from product packaging and nutrition information panels of energy drinks available in the nine main UK grocery retailers, three health and beauty retailers and one convenience store.ResultsThe number of formulations (per 100 mL) and number of products (per serving) have fallen (from 75 to 49 and from 90 to 59) between 2015 and 2017, respectively. Energy drinks surveyed showed a 10% reduction in sugar, from 10.6 to 9.5 g/100 mL (P=0.011) and a 6% reduction in energy content (P=0.005) per 100 mL between 2015 and 2017. The average caffeine content of energy drinks, with a warning label, has remained high at 31.5±0.9 in 2015 and 31.3±1.0 mg/100 mL in 2017. Despite there being reductions, sugar, energy and caffeine content remain at concerning levels in 2017.ConclusionsTo reduce the harmful impact of energy drinks, further reduction in sugar and a reduction in caffeine by reformulation are urgently needed. Other measures such as ban on the sale of energy drinks to children and smaller product sizes should also be explored, while warning labels should be kept. A reduction in sugar, energy and caffeine content and overall energy drinks consumption could be beneficial in reducing sugar, energy and caffeine intake of consumers of energy drinks.

scholarly journals Energy and macronutrient intakes in Brazil: results of the first nationwide individual dietary survey

2015 ◽  
Vol 18 (17) ◽  
pp. 3086-3095 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rita AG Souza ◽  
Edna M Yokoo ◽  
Rosely Sichieri ◽  
Rosangela A Pereira
Keyword(s):  
Energy Intake ◽  
Saturated Fat ◽  
Average Energy ◽  
Animal Protein ◽  
Monounsaturated Fat ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Added Sugar ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Total Fat

AbstractObjectiveTo characterize energy and macronutrient intakes in Brazil and to describe the top food items contributing to energy and macronutrient intakes.DesignTwo non-consecutive 24 h dietary records were collected and energy and macronutrient data were adjusted for usual intake distribution. Descriptive statistics and ANOVA with the Bonferroni post hoc test were analysed using SAS version 9·1. Means and standard deviations were estimated for sex, age and income strata.SettingNationwide cross-sectional survey, 2008–2009.SubjectsNationally representative sample of individuals ≥10 years old (n32 749), excluding pregnant and lactating women (n 1254).ResultsThe average energy intake was 7958 kJ/d (1902 kcal/d) and mean energy density was 6·82 kJ/g (1·63 kcal/g). Added sugar represented 13 % of total energy intake and animal protein represented 10 %. The mean contribution of total fat to energy intake was 27 %, while the mean saturated fat contribution was 9 %. Compared with the lowest quartile of income, individuals in the highest income quartile had greater mean intakes of energy, added sugar, alcohol, animal protein, total fat, saturated fat, monounsaturated fat and trans fat. Rice, beans, beef, bread and coffee were among the top five foods contributing most to the intakes of energy, carbohydrates, protein, fat and fibre.ConclusionsIn general, Brazilians’ dietary intake is compatible with a high risk of obesity and non-communicable chronic diseases, being characterized by high intakes of added sugar and saturated fat. Income may be a major determinant of diet nutritional characteristics.

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