Nutritional quality and use of claims on packaged foods and non-alcoholic beverages aimed at vegetarian and/or vegan dietary patterns available in the local market

Abstract

Introduction: In recent years, there has been an increase in the adoption of vegetarian and vegan diets, along with the availability of packaged products designed to replace animal-based foods and their derivatives. However, many of these products can contain excessive amounts of important nutrients and calories.

Objective: To describe the nutrient quality and use of claims on packaged foods and non-alcoholic beverages for vegetarian and/or vegan dietary patterns in the local market.

Methods: A qualitative-quantitative, descriptive, and cross-sectional study was conducted on 501 products available between February and April 2024. A checklist was used to gather data on nutritional composition, additives, claims and compliance with front-of-pack labeling regulations.

Results: Eighty percent of the products contained at least one critical nutrient in excess. Four out of seven groups exceeded 275 kilocalories (kcal) per 100 grams, with calorie content ranging from 336 to 390 kcal. In sweet-flavored products, added sugars accounted for nearly 20% of the total kcal. Dairy analogs had higher total and saturated fat content, (median: 63% and 16% respectively), while meat analogs had the highest sodium content at 2.3 grams per kcal. While 62% of the products contained additives, 40% included claims, with over half displaying at least one warning label.

Conclusions: Most products showed an excess of critical nutrients and the addition of additives, indicating lower nutritional quality. Furthermore, discrepancies were found between warning labels and packaging claims, according to current regulations.