Food purchasing places classification system based on the Dietary Guidelines for the Brazilian Population: Locais-Nova.

Abstract

Objective: To propose a new classification system for food purchasing places (Locais-Nova) based on the Dietary Guidelines for the Brazilian Population.

Methods: We used 2017-2018 Brazilian Household Budgets Survey data on household food purchasing. Foods were categorized, according to the Nova classification, into unprocessed or minimally processed food, processed culinary ingredients, processed foods and ultra-processed foods. We estimated the average share of each Nova classification group in the total of grams acquired in Brazil. This estimate was compared with the average share of each Nova classification group in each of the 16 purchasing places assessed. Places were classified as "purchasing sources" for a specific Nova classification group whenever that group's share a given place was equal to or greater than the national average.

Results: Locais-Nova identified three categories of purchasing places: sources of unprocessed or minimally processed food and processed culinary ingredients, sources of processed foods and sources of ultra-processed foods. Fruits, vegetables, and farm products and butcher shops stood out as the main sources of unprocessed or minimally processed food; minimarkets and grocery stores were the main sources of ultra-processed foods; and bakeries and confectionaries, stood out as sources of processed and ultra-processed foods. Supermarkets were classified as sources of unprocessed or minimally processed food and ultra-processed foods.

Conclusion: This study presented an innovative classification of food purchasing places. This reflected the recommendations of the Dietary Guidelines for the Brazilian Population and made it possible to understand food purchasing patterns in different types of purchasing places.