Healthiness, processing, and price discounts of foods advertised in supermarket flyers in Buenos Aires, Argentina

ELORRIAGA, NATALIA; CAVALLO, ANA SOLEDAD; MOYANO, DANIELA LUZ; TORRES, VERÓNICA; FAYE, MAIMOUNA; IRAZOLA, VILMA

Revista Española de Nutrición Humana y Dietética

Academia Española Nutrición y Dietética

Año: 2023 vol. 27

2173-1292

Introduction:The food environment, encompassing factors such as food availability, advertising, and promotions, can significantly impact dietary choices.The main objective of this study was to characterize the profile of the advertised products in relation to the food groups definedby the Dietary Guidelines for the Argentine Population (GAPA), the degree of processing and their price discounts.Methods:This cross-sectional study analyzed 4355 promotions of foods and beverages in supermarket circulars from seven supermarket chains over an 8-week period in Buenos Aires. Foods were classified into four categories based on the GAPA: 1) core food groups and water, 2) "optional" products (those to be limited), 3) alcoholic beverages, and 4) other foods. Additionally, NOVA classification was used to assess the degree and purpose of processing. The minimum purchase amount required for the discount and the unit price discount were analyzed by food group and degree of processing.Results:Only 37.0% of advertised food products were fromthe core recommended food groups, while 45.3% and 11.7% were "optional/discretionary" products and alcoholic beverages. In addition, 56% of the food and non-alcoholic beverage promotions included ultra-processed (UP) products. The minimum purchase amount to obtain a discount and relative discounts were higher for "optional" products (p