Does the availability of snack foods in supermarkets vary internationally?

Abstract

BackgroundCross-country differences in dietary behaviours and obesity rates have been previously reported. Consumption of energy-dense snack foods and soft drinks are implicated as contributing to weight gain, however little is known about how the availability of these items within supermarkets varies internationally. This study assessed variations in the display of snack foods and soft drinks within a sample of supermarkets across eight countries.MethodsWithin-store audits were used to evaluate and compare the availability of potato chips (crisps), chocolate, confectionery and soft drinks. Displays measured included shelf length and the proportion of checkouts and end-of-aisle displays containing these products. Audits were conducted in a convenience sample of 170 supermarkets across eight developed nations (Australia, Canada, Denmark, Netherlands, New Zealand, Sweden, United Kingdom (UK), and United States of America (US)).ResultsThe mean total aisle length of snack foods (adjusted for store size) was greatest in supermarkets from the UK (56.4 m) and lowest in New Zealand (21.7 m). When assessed by individual item, the greatest aisle length devoted to chips, chocolate and confectionery was found in UK supermarkets while the greatest aisle length dedicated to soft drinks was in Australian supermarkets. Only stores from the Netherlands (41%) had less than 70% of checkouts featuring displays of snack foods or soft drinks.ConclusionWhilst between-country variations were observed, overall results indicate high levels of snack food and soft drinks displays within supermarkets across the eight countries. Exposure to snack foods is largely unavoidable within supermarkets, increasing the likelihood of purchases and particularly those made impulsively.

Concerning Limitations of Food-Environment Research: A Narrative Review and Commentary Framed around Obesity and Diet-Related Diseases in Youth

“…For example, supermarkets are usually considered as "healthy" food sources even though they often sell plenty of highly processed unhealthy fare. 82,83 Conversely, fast-food outlets are usually considered as "unhealthy" food sources even though they often offer whole foods like green salads, sliced fruit, and milk.…”

Understanding differences in the local food environment across countries: A case study in Madrid (Spain) and Baltimore (USA)

“…However, these are rarely studied when looking at local food environments, missing the mass influences that shift the entire distribution of neighborhoods. Cross-national studies are thus warranted considering the large international differences in the patterning of the retail food environment (Flavian et al, 2002;Thornton et al, 2013). Systematic reviews focusing on the effect of local food environments on dietary behaviors have shown consistent evidence for existing inequalities regarding food access in the US, but also highlighted several limitations (Black et al, 2014;Cobb et al, 2015;Feng et al, 2010;Gamba et al, 2015;Holsten, 2009).…”

“…Nonetheless, studies looking at this association in other contexts other than the US are scarce (Macdonald et al, 2011;Thornton et al, 2013). If we aim to study the influence of local food environments on diet, we should look for mass influences, as Geoffrey Rose highlighted when studying health phenomena (Rose, 1985).…”

What is known about consumer nutrition environments in Australia? A scoping review of the literature

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