No abstract

The rise in online food delivery (OFD) applications has increased access to a myriad of ready-to-eat options, which may lead to unhealthier food choices. Our objective was to assess the nutritional profile of popular menu items available through OFD applications in Bangkok, Thailand. We selected the top 40 popular menu items from three of the most commonly used OFD applications in 2021. Each menu item was collected from the top 15 restaurants in Bangkok for a total of 600 items. Nutritional contents were analysed by a professional food laboratory in Bangkok. Descriptive statistics were employed to describe the nutritional content of each menu item, including energy, fat, sodium, and sugar content. We also compared nutritional content to the World Health Organization’s recommended daily intake values. The majority of menu items were considered unhealthy, with 23 of the 25 ready-to-eat menu items containing more than the recommended sodium intake for adults. Eighty percent of all sweets contained approximately 1.5 times more sugar than the daily recommendation. Displaying nutrition facts in the OFD applications for menu items and providing consumers with filters for healthier options are required to reduce overconsumption and improve consumer food choice.

Thailand has used front‐of‐pack labelling (FoPL) policies to support its public health objectives of improving consumer nutrition to reduce the risk of noncommunicable disease. A rapid literature review explored the current types of FoPL systems in Thailand and how they are understood by consumers. Twelve studies were included, most of which examined the mandatory Guideline Daily Amount (GDA) label. Evidence showed gaps in consumer comprehension of the GDA—consistent with international literature demonstrating the GDA is not as effective at improving identification and choice of healthier foods as interpretive labels. Thai consumers reported somewhat better comprehension when colors or text were added to the GDA. Thai stakeholders should consider supplementing or replacing the GDA with one of the newer FoPL systems shown to be more effective in other countries. More rigorous research is necessary to ensure potential FoPL schemes have intended effects among Thai consumers to inform policy action.