Consumer perceptions toward sugar content of fruit juice products in a developing country

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to determine consumer perceptions toward sugar content of fruit juice (FJ) products in South Africa amid the current sugar tax debate. The paper also ascertains how and if consumption patterns and socio-demographic factors are associated with consumer perceptions toward FJ sugar content. A cross-sectional study was conducted via structured self-administered questionnaires, which were disseminated on a face-to-face basis. Over 7600 consumers aged 16-66+ years in suburbs, townships, and informal settlements were surveyed in South Africa. The data were analyzed through the application of a generalized linear model. Half of the respondents agreed that FJ products were high in sugar. Furthermore, several consumption and sociodemographic factors had a varied influence on consumers' perceptions toward FJ products. This study provides marketers and retailers with new insight regarding the marketing of FJ products in a developing country amid the sugar tax debate.

University Students' Knowledge and Perceptions About Concepts, Recommendations, and Health Effects of Added Sugars

“…Participants reported that packaged foods, particularly soft drinks, contain high amounts of sugars. In a study in South Africa, consumers considered fruit-based soft drinks to be high in sugar but frequently consumed these products, mainly because of low prices, marketing strategies, and personal preferences ( 27 ). Participants also mentioned interest in reducing sugar intake, particularly from homemade foods.…”