The efficacy of sugar labeling formats: Implications for labeling policy

Abstract

Objective: To examine knowledge of sugar recommendations and test the efficacy of formats for labeling total and added sugar on pre-packaged foods. Methods: Online surveys were conducted among 2008 Canadians aged 16-24. Participants were asked to identify recommended limits for total and added sugar consumption. In Experiment 1, participants were randomized to one of six labeling conditions with varying information for total sugar for a high-or low-sugar product and were asked to identify the relative amount of total sugar in the product. In Experiment 2, participants were randomized to one of three labels with different added sugar formats and were asked if the product contained added sugar and the relative amount of added sugar. Results: Few young people correctly identified recommendations for total sugar (5%) or added sugar (7%). In Experiment 1, those who were shown percent daily value information were more likely to correctly identify the relative amount of total sugar (P < 0.05). In Experiment 2, those shown added sugar information were more likely to correctly identify that the product contained added sugar and the relative amount of added sugar in the product (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Improved labeling may improve consumer understanding of the amount of sugars in food products.

Added sugar in the packaged foods and beverages available at a major Canadian retailer in 2015: a descriptive analysis

“…39 Furthermore, around one-quarter of Canadians aged 16-24 years cannot identify whether there is added sugar present in a food item when there is no information about added sugar on the nutrition facts table. 40 In an effort to address the confusion over added sugars, the US has recently finalized updates to their nutrition facts label that include requirements to distinguish between intrinsic and added sugars, with a percent daily value for added sugars based on the US Department of Agriculture recommendation that they not exceed 10% of total daily calories. 41 Health Canada has also recently considered the addition of an added sugar value on nutrition facts tables as well as a reorganization of the ingredients list that would group all sugars together in a set of brackets, which may aid consumers in finding and reading added sugars in the list of ingredients.…”

Sugar and metabolic health

“…One of the challenges for Nutritional Scientists in communicating to an often confused public [33] , in the face of changing guidelines, is the terminology used to describe dietary sugars (Table 2); and the adoption of the WHO term 'free sugars' by the UK ,replacing the previous 'nonmilk extrinsic sugars', is considered beneficial [36] . The terms 'free sugars' [4,5] and 'added sugars' [6][7][8] are essentially equivalent in describing sugars (mono-and disaccharides) added to foods and beverages by the manufacturer, cook or consumer, and sugars found in honey, syrups, fruit juices and juice concentrates ( Table 2).…”

Added sugar in the nutrition facts label: Consumer needs and scientific uncertainty

“…Most US adults report consuming more added sugar than recommended for a healthy diet and are seeking ways to cut back. The data published here by Vanderlee et al suggest that the FDA proposal to include added sugar and a %DV on Nutrition Facts labeling will likely be helpful to consumers.…”

“…In two simple, important, and timely experiments, Vanderlee et al have demonstrated that information on added sugar proposed for inclusion on Nutrition Facts labels will be helpful to consumers. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has proposed requiring on Nutrition Facts labels that added sugar be disclosed and that the label include a percent daily value (%DV), based upon the report of the 2015 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee (DGAC) .…”