Quality of Some Kids Meals and Its Adequacy for Their Nutrients' Requirements

Abstract

The availability of foods high in fat and energy dense through fast foods (FF) or taking away restaurants was associated with the poor quality diet. The main aim of the present investigation was directed to assess the proximate composition of FF meals and its nutritional contribution to dietary quality of children as one of the most vulnerable group of population. Two brands of worldwide chain happy meals (beef and chicken burgers were evaluated for the proximate composition, i.e. moisture, protein, total lipids, ash and fiber. Carbohydrates & energy values were calculated. Contribution of these meals was compared with children's daily recommendations. Chemical composition of happy meals showed that, beef burger from second chain recorded the lowest percent of moisture (36.70%) and protein (15.70%). However, the other three meals had close percentages (41.40-42.23%) from moisture, chicken burger from second chain scored the highest percent from protein (19.12%). Although, the percent of fiber (5.63-7.00 %) revealed poor content, all happy meals were considered highly energy dense (565.88-588.36 K.cal).They also had very high percent from fat (40.32-43.76%). Neglected difference was observed between meals from ash contents (1.32-1.85%). Regarding nutrients adequacy, the percentage of energy was covered by the four meals ranging between 30-more than 50% of needs of children from 2-11 years old. Chicken burger from second chain had the lowest