Comparação de rótulos de alimentos regulares e seus similares para fins especiais

Abstract

Introduction: Obesity is a serious public health problem. In an attempt to lose weight, many consumers seek restrictive diets with special purposes food that induces a food production increase by the food industry. Objective: Analyze and compare the labels of special purposes food with sucrose, lactose and gluten restriction to regular processed food labels checking their nutritional quality and the cost-benefit relation. Material and Method: An analysis and comparison of the labels and prices of the special purposes food with restriction and regular processed food was done from six product categories. Results: The sucrose products show a higher energy density and Carbs amount while the non sucrose show the most expensive ones. The dairy products with no lactose carry the lowest level of saturated fat and greatest price. The gluten-free and the gluten products are similar in the evaluated aspects except for the higher price in the gluten-free ones. Discussion: The special purposes food with no sucrose, no lactose and no gluten show the highest price due to the process for producing and the ingredients used. Conclusion: The no sucrose products are a good option for diabetic subjects going on a weight-loss diet. The Nutritious products without sucrose, lactose and gluten are specifically for individuals with allergies of food intolerance.