Nutritional Description of Foods with Low- and No-Calorie Sweeteners in Spain: The BADALI Project

Abstract

The use of low- and no-calorie sweeteners (LNCS) in foods has increased in recent years in response to the negative effects of free sugar on health. However, the health impact of LNCS is still unclear. Studies of the prevalence of LNCS in foods have been published previously, including in Spain. However, the use of health (HCs) and nutrition claims (NCs) to promote these foods and a full nutritional characterization are largely lacking. For this purpose, we used the BADALI database with 4218 foods present in the Spanish market. Our results show that 9.3% of foods have LNCS (including both intense and polyols). Sucralose and acesulfame K were the intense sweeteners most frequently used (52.4% and 48.2%, respectively), whereas maltitol was the preferred polyol (20.3%). Of all foods with LNCS, 30% also had added sugar. Many more foods with LNCS presented HCs and NCs than those without. Sugar was the nutrient most frequently claimed in NCs for LNCS-containing foods, whereas vitamins were for those without these sweeteners. NCs compliance with regulation was similar in both conditions (60.1% for foods without and 63.9% for foods with LNCS). As expected, foods with LNCS had less total sugar content and energy. Surprisingly, the nutrient profile of yogurts with LNCS changed completely: less total and saturated fat, whereas more proteins and sodium. Biscuits with LNCS contained more fibre. The results of our study reveal that the prevalence of LNCS is becoming high in some food types in Spain and that foods containing LNCS are more frequently promoted with HCs/NCs. In addition, it confirms the general reduction in energy and sugar content expected in foods with LNCS. Furthermore, it suggests a reformulation of products beyond sugar content.

Nutritional Description of Processed Foods with Fibre-Related Nutrition Claims in Spain: The BADALI Project

“…At present, the food database is used to carry out studies on nutrition, food science and public health as previously published [ 7 , 30 , 31 , 32 , 33 ]. Foods analysed in the present study were gathered from June 2022 to June 2023.…”

“…Nutrition claims (NCs) were analysed following previous publications [ 7 , 30 , 31 ]. Information provided by the online supermarkets was very limited regarding these claims.…”

Nutritional Description of Organic and Conventional Food Products in Spain: The BADALI Project

“…Nutrition claims (NCs) were analysed following previous publications [39,47]. Information provided on the online supermarkets' web pages was very limited regarding these claims.…”

Examining the Usage Patterns of Non-Nutritive Sweeteners among Non-Diabetic Individuals: Insights from the Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil)

“…The consumption of sweets, cakes, and other food items was not considered since the FFQ question does not differentiate between diet and light versions, which could lead to inaccuracies in determining regular NNS consumers because Brazilian legislation allows for food items to be labelled as light if a 25% reduction in fats, salt, sugar, or others is present. In the case of sodas, although the question does not differentiate between diet and light versions, both versions contain non-nutritive sweeteners in their composition [16], so this product was considered.…”