Sugar Content in Non-Alcoholic Beverages Marketed in Argentina and Costa Rica

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: The consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages is associated with an increased risk of obesity. OBJECTIVES: To compare the sugar content on food labels of different non-alcoholic beverages marketed in Argentina and Costa Rica. METHODS: Sugar data were collected from 13 categories of non-alcoholic beverages available in supermarkets in 2012 and 2013. Mean sugar levels were calculated in both countries, considering a standard serving of 200 ml. RESULTS: Among non-alcoholic beverages available in Argentina (n=287) and Costa Rica (n=495), sugar-sweetened ones were predominant (77.6%). The majority of them (56%; n=435) had sugar contents that were over 20% of the daily intake recommended by the World Health Organization. Costa Rica showed average levels higher than Argentina. The categories with the highest sugar content in Costa Rica were nectars (24.7 g/200 ml), fruit juices (22.5 g/200 ml) and regular soft drinks (22.5 g/200 ml); in Argentina, regular soft drinks (20.9 g/200 ml), fruit juices (18.5 g/200 ml) and soy-based drinks (14.9 g/200 ml). CONCLUSIONS: This study is the first analysis and comparison of sugar content in non-alcoholic beverages in two Latin American countries. The high sugar content found in soft drinks and the high prevalence of overweight and obesity in the region show the need to implement public health policies to reduce consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages.