ObjectiveTo determine store availability, total number of products, and types of Formulated Supplementary Sports Foods in Australia, along with their stated nutrition content, sweeteners added, total number, and type of claims displayed on the packaging.DesignA cross-sectional, visual product audit of mainstream retailers.SettingSupermarkets, pharmacies, health food stores, and gym/fitness centres.ResultsA total of 558 products were captured in the audit, 275 of which displayed the correct mandatory packaging attributes. Three categories of products were identified, based on the dominant nutrient. Only 184 products appeared to display the correct energy value based on the listed macronutrient content (protein, fat, carbohydrate, dietary fibre). The stated nutrient content was highly variable across all product subcategories. Nineteen different sweeteners were identified, with most foods containing only one (38.2%) or two (34.9%) types. The predominant sweetener was stevia glycosides. Packages displayed multiple claims, with a maximum of 67 and minimum of 2 claims. Nutrition content claims were most frequently displayed (on 98.5% of products). Claims included regulated, minimally regulated and marketing statements.ConclusionSports food consumers should be provided with accurate and detailed on pack nutrition information, to ensure informed choices are made. However, this audit showed multiple products which did not conform to current standards, appeared to provide inaccurate nutrition information, contained multiple sweeteners, and displayed an overwhelming number of on-pack claims. The increase in sales, availability, and products available in mainstream retail environments, could be impacting both intended consumers (athletes), and general non-athlete population. The results indicate underperformance in manufacturing practices which preference marketing over quality and stronger regulatory approaches are needed to protect consumer health and safety, and to prevent misleading consumers.

Formulated supplementary sports foods (FSSF) are designed for athletes with specific nutrition goals, not the general consumer. (1) Products include protein powders, ready-to-drink beverages and bars/snacks, carbohydrate gel/powders and other sports foods including items such as pre-workout, fat burners and creatine. (1) Sales of sports foods have increased by 195% since 2011 (2) and it is likely that a proportion of these are to non-athletes. Yet currently there is limited research examining the availability, number, and types of FSSF, and the nutrition composition, or on-pack attributes such as nutrition, health, and marketing claims, (3) even though they are important in influencing purchase and consumption by the general consumer. (4,5) Examine the availability, number, and types of FSSF products, nutrient composition and sweeteners added, and on pack claims and marketing attributes. A cross-sectional retail audit of FSSF in mainstream retailers, was conducted in March 2021 in Melbourne, Australia. Products were classified into three categories based on nutritional composition and claims: protein dominant, carbohydrate dominant and other FSSF. Data were analysed using the SPSS for Macintosh, version 28.0.1.0 and tests for normality performed. The data was found to be not normally distributed and descriptive statistics were used to determine the median, interquartile range and minimum maximum. Significance was determined using a Kruskal Wallis test for medians. Of 558 products identified, only 275 displayed the required on-pack statements such as the prescribed name and warning and advisory statements and were thus considered FSSF. The majority of products (82.8%) were protein dominant. Only 60.7% of products had accurate calculated energy content as per the protein, fat and carbohydrate stated on the Nutrition Information Panels. Nutritional composition across all sports food categories was highly variable, but there were significant differences in nutrient content across the various protein products. The average number of claims varied from 25 per protein powder product to eight for carbohydrate gels. Nutrition content claims were most predominant (on 98.5% of products), followed by general health claims (65.1%), sports effect (62.2%), and product quality (52.7%) claims. Nineteen different sweeteners were identified, with the most prolific being steviol glycosides and Sucralose. Most products contained 1-2 sweeteners, however, some of the products contained three or more sweeteners (20.7%). This is potentially a confusing market for general consumers with many products of varying quality and nutrition composition and not all products are regulated. Over a third (39.3%) of regulated products had inaccurate nutrition information with serious legal implications and potential for misleading and deceiving conduct. The multiple on-pack claims could lead to confusion and could further mislead consumers. Regulations and enforcement activities are needed to reduce the potential for manufacturer misconduct and to prot...