Claire M Luiten1, Ingrid Hm Steenhuis1, Helen Eyles2, Cliona Ni Mhurchu2, Wilma E Waterlander2. 1. 1Department of Health Sciences and the EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, Faculty of Earth and Life Sciences,VU University Amsterdam,Amsterdam,The Netherlands. 2. 2National Institute for Health Innovation,School of Population Health,Tamaki Campus,The University of Auckland,Private Bag 92019,Auckland Mail Centre,Auckland 1142,New Zealand.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To examine the availability of packaged food products in New Zealand supermarkets by level of industrial processing, nutrient profiling score (NPSC), price (energy, unit and serving costs) and brand variety. DESIGN: Secondary analysis of cross-sectional survey data on packaged supermarket food and non-alcoholic beverages. Products were classified according to level of industrial processing (minimally, culinary and ultra-processed) and their NPSC. SETTING: Packaged foods available in four major supermarkets in Auckland, New Zealand. SUBJECTS: Packaged supermarket food products for the years 2011 and 2013. RESULTS: The majority (84% in 2011 and 83% in 2013) of packaged foods were classified as ultra-processed. A significant positive association was found between the level of industrial processing and NPSC, i.e., ultra-processed foods had a worse nutrient profile (NPSC=11.63) than culinary processed foods (NPSC=7.95), which in turn had a worse nutrient profile than minimally processed foods (NPSC=3.27), P<0.001. No clear associations were observed between the three price measures and level of processing. The study observed many variations of virtually the same product. The ten largest food manufacturers produced 35% of all packaged foods available. CONCLUSIONS: In New Zealand supermarkets, ultra-processed foods comprise the largest proportion of packaged foods and are less healthy than less processed foods. The lack of significant price difference between ultra- and less processed foods suggests ultra-processed foods might provide time-poor consumers with more value for money. These findings highlight the need to improve the supermarket food supply by reducing numbers of ultra-processed foods and by reformulating products to improve their nutritional profile.
OBJECTIVE: To examine the availability of packaged food products in New Zealand supermarkets by level of industrial processing, nutrient profiling score (NPSC), price (energy, unit and serving costs) and brand variety. DESIGN: Secondary analysis of cross-sectional survey data on packaged supermarket food and non-alcoholic beverages. Products were classified according to level of industrial processing (minimally, culinary and ultra-processed) and their NPSC. SETTING: Packaged foods available in four major supermarkets in Auckland, New Zealand. SUBJECTS: Packaged supermarket food products for the years 2011 and 2013. RESULTS: The majority (84% in 2011 and 83% in 2013) of packaged foods were classified as ultra-processed. A significant positive association was found between the level of industrial processing and NPSC, i.e., ultra-processed foods had a worse nutrient profile (NPSC=11.63) than culinary processed foods (NPSC=7.95), which in turn had a worse nutrient profile than minimally processed foods (NPSC=3.27), P<0.001. No clear associations were observed between the three price measures and level of processing. The study observed many variations of virtually the same product. The ten largest food manufacturers produced 35% of all packaged foods available. CONCLUSIONS: In New Zealand supermarkets, ultra-processed foods comprise the largest proportion of packaged foods and are less healthy than less processed foods. The lack of significant price difference between ultra- and less processed foods suggests ultra-processed foods might provide time-poor consumers with more value for money. These findings highlight the need to improve the supermarket food supply by reducing numbers of ultra-processed foods and by reformulating products to improve their nutritional profile.
Authors: Rafaela Corrêa Pereira; João de Deus Souza Carneiro; Michel Cardoso de Angelis Pereira Journal: J Food Sci Technol Date: 2021-06-09 Impact factor: 2.701
Authors: Maria Gabriela M Pinho; Jeroen Lakerveld; Marjolein C Harbers; Ivonne Sluijs; Roel Vermeulen; Anke Huss; Jolanda M A Boer; W M Monique Verschuren; Johannes Brug; Joline W J Beulens; Joreintje D Mackenbach Journal: Eur J Nutr Date: 2020-11-24 Impact factor: 5.614