Comparison of reported nutrients and serve size between private label products and branded products in Australian supermarkets

Abstract

AbstractAim: To compare the reported content of key nutrients related to cardiovascular health (energy, total fat, saturated fat and sodium) between Private Label and Branded products for various food categories in Australian supermarkets, using Nutrition Information Panel data. Reported serve size was also assessed.Methods: A cross‐sectional study using selected Nutrition Information Panel data collected during 2006–2008 for 25 food categories, across 10 Australian supermarkets. Collected data included serve size and nutrients per 100 g: energy, total fat, saturated fat and sodium. Differences between Private Label versus Branded products were assessed using independent samples t‐test.Results: Data were collected for 3204 products; Private Label products accounted for 26% (n = 824). Serve size was significantly different between Private Label and Branded for seven categories. Total and saturated fat for Private Label products was significantly greater (than Branded) for five and seven categories, respectively. Sodium was significantly different between Private Label and Branded for seven categories, with no consistency in direction.Conclusion: Differences between Branded and Private Label products were food category specific. The present study provides a first‐time comparison of a comprehensive sample of Branded versus Private Label products, across multiple food categories, in Australia with respect to nutrients related to cardiovascular health. It also provides insight into serve size differences, and may be used as a baseline for future comparisons of nutritional content and serve sizes between Branded and Private Label products, and to monitor the impact of potential new food product developments and reformulations.