EU Joint Research Centre · Health

Nutritional Quality Varies Across European Supermarket Foods

A new JRC analysis reveals significant variations in the nutrient content of packaged foods across and within European countries. While industry reformulation efforts are ongoing, improvements in one nutrient can sometimes be offset by declines in another.

Unhealthy diets contribute to non-communicable diseases in the EU. Food reformulation, reducing unhealthy components and increasing fiber, is a key strategy. The JRC's Food and Beverages Label Explorer (FABLE) tool tracks these efforts using product-level data.

FABLE analyzes over 180,000 products from 21 European countries, focusing on cereals, bread, dairy, deli meats, and soft drinks. It highlights substantial nutrient variations between and within countries and product types.

For example, total sugars in breakfast cereals ranged from 1g to 28g per 100g, and saturated fat in deli meats from under 1g to 14g per 100g. While sugars decreased in cereals, fats increased.

Comparing nutrient content with WHO/EFSA recommendations shows certain foods can quickly exceed daily limits. A ham sandwich and salad with bacon could contribute 40% of the maximum daily salt intake from deli meats alone.

A single can of cola and a small portion of high-fiber fruit cereal can surpass twice the maximum daily free sugar intake. This highlights the need for a holistic approach to nutrient quality.

The findings emphasize targeted reformulation and a comprehensive strategy for nutrient improvement. FABLE is a valuable resource for monitoring and guiding these efforts.

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