Nutrient Profile of Commercially Packaged Food Products in Türkiye

Abstract

Nutrient profiling models are useful for describing the health value of foods and underpinning various nutrition-related public health strategies. They are generally based on a food’s content of several nutrients (e.g., protein, salt, carbohydrates). The aim of this study is to review information on the nutritional profiles of foods and beverages sold in Turkey. Ten food and drink categories were reviewed in six physical food stores and four online stores. A total of 1,000 foods and beverages, 100 products from each group, were checked for nutrient profile according to their labels. While all dairy products are produced locally, 74% of baby and young children foods are produced foreign. Snacks have the highest energy and saturated fat (on average 2072.6 kJ/579.4 kcal; 13.2±6.23 g respectively). Dried food and ingredients have the highest fat (on average 35.2 g±21.61). Confectionaries received the highest carbohydrates and sugars (on average 79.6±19.56 g; 56.0±27.41 g respectively). Chilled foods have the highest protein levels (on average 18.0±9.31 g). Condiments and sauces have the highest salt (3.4±4.59 g). Beverages have the lowest energy, fat, saturated fat, protein and salt (on average 160.3 kJ/37,7 kcal; 0.0±0.00 g; 0.0±0.00 g; 0.1±0.16 g; 0.0±0.15 g respectively). Dairy has the lowest carbohydrates (on average 5.8±4.52 g) and chilled foods have the lowest sugar (on average 2.0±0,69 g). As nutrient profiling models are increasingly used worldwide to support public health strategies, having an up-to-date resource listing them and detailing their characteristics is crucial. It is believed that the results of this study may provide an up-to-date guide for determining the nutrient profile of commercially packaged foods sold in Türkiye.