Abstract:
Excessive intake of added sugars during childhood is linked to an increased risk of noncommunicable chronic diseases and the early development of unhealthy dietary preferences. This study aimed to compare the presence of added sugars in processed foods marketed to children in Brazil and the European Union, analyzing the quantity, variety, type, and placement of sugars in ingredient lists. A cross-sectional comparative study was conducted using data collected from supermarkets in both regions through the analysis of nutritional labels from 226 food products, categorized by food groups. Statistical analyses included the Mann-Whitney and Chi-square tests. European products had a higher median of added sugars (38.5 g vs. 21.5 g; p = 0.037), with a greater presence of ingredients such as polyols and concentrated fruit juices, which are associated with a lower glycemic impact. In contrast, Brazilian products primarily used sucrose and glucose as key ingredients. In both contexts, most products contained up to three different types of sugars, and sugar was typically listed among the top three ingredients. The analysis also revealed category-specific differences and highlighted the lack of standardized labeling regulations across countries. These findings underscore the need for clearer policies on added sugar labeling, taking into account not only quantity but also the quality and metabolic impact of the ingredients used, in order to support healthier dietary choices during childhood.
