Assessment of artificial and natural sweeteners present in packaged non-alcoholic beverages (NABs) sold on the Singapore market

• Autors principals: Rebecca Tan (Autor), Sharon Chew (Autor), Xenia Cleanthous (Autor), Kimberley Anastasiou (Autor), Paige G. Brooker (Autor), Theresa Pham (Autor), Benjamin P. C. Smith (Autor)
• Format: Llibre
• Publicat: BMC, 2021-10-01T00:00:00Z.
• Matèries: article
• Accés en línia: Connect to this object online.

Sumari

Abstract Background New Nutri-Grade labelling, aimed at reducing Singaporeans' sugar consumption will be implemented for all pre-packaged non-alcoholic beverages (NABs) sold in retail outlets from end 2021 onwards. It is expected such labelling will have a major impact on sugar content of beverages, as well as the replacement of sugar with non-caloric alternatives. Methods This study used product label data obtained from in-store surveys to investigate sugar and sweetener composition of NABs present on the Singapore market. Using this data we calculated products prospective Nutri-Grade classification in order to compare the current market composition with relation to sugar and/or sweetener use. Results Over half of the NABs on market were sweetened with sugar (59%) and were associated with less healthy Nutri-Grades of 'C' and 'D'. The use of natural sweeteners; Stevia and Monk fruit, remains low (6%). Conclusion With continuous efforts by the government in promoting public health nutrition, it is expected that there will be a greater usage of sugar substitutes among NABs in response to the upcoming implementation of Nutri-Grade and ever-fluctuating consumers' demands. The data collected in this study provide a point estimate (July-September 2020) on market composition and use of both sugar and artificial sweeteners in beverages prior to integration of the mandatory labelling requirements.

Descripció de l’ítem

10.1186/s12889-021-11924-0
1471-2458