Study of intentional and unintended consumption of non-nutritive sweeteners by brazilians

Abstract

A survey of the partial or total substitution of sugar by non-nutritive sweeteners (NNS) was carried out in 14 classes of sweetened processed foods (SPF) available in Brazilian trade. For each product class were determined the percentages of: (i) regular, reduced and sugar-free products; (ii) label claims (LC) used for express partial or total sugar reduction; (iii) products added by NNS without LC; (iv) NNS used, and (v) comparison of nutritional profile between regular, reduced and sugar-free products. Subsequently, brazilian's consumers perception about PSF was assessed through an online questionnaire, which determined the: (i) NNS and SPF consumption; (ii) perception of natural and artificial NNS and sugar in foods through the Check-all-that-apply (CATA) test and (iii) ability to understand different FPC.