Added Sugar Content in Products Sold in a Large-Scale Chain Supermarket in Ankara

Abstract

Aim: Added sugar refers to sugars added to foods during processing or preparation. Excessive consumption of added sugar is associated with negative health outcomes such as obesity, cardiovascular disease, tooth decay, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. The World Health Organisation recommends that adults and children limit their added sugar intake to less than 10% of their recommended energy intake. The Turkish Nutrition Guidelines make similar recommendations. This study aims to investigate the added sugar content in packaged foods in Ankara. Materials and Methods: This study analysed the presence, amount, and types of added sugar in packaged foods sold in a large-scale chain supermarket in Ankara, Türkiye. Information on product name and type and nutritional values was obtained from the labels of all products in the store. Results: The study found that 1,554 packaged products (60.2%) contained at least one type of added sugar. The most commonly used types of added sugar were white sugar and syrups. The highest proportion of added sugar was observed in carbohydrate- and fat-rich products, where 952 out of 1,048 items (91%) contained added sugar. Conclusion: This study highlights the high consumption of added sugar in Türkiye and emphasizes the need for consumers to make informed choices. The profound presence of added sugars in packaged foods and the extensive use of diverse sugar derivatives need attention and careful consideration for healthy food preferences.

Keywords

• Nutritional Science

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References

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Cite this publication

@article{ucar2026added,
  author = {U{\c{c}}ar, Esra and Tengilimo{\u{g}}lu Metin, M.merve},
  title = {{Added Sugar Content in Products Sold in a Large-Scale Chain Supermarket in Ankara}},
  journal = {Current Research in Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics Journal},
  volume = {1},
  number = {2},
  pages = {88--96},
  publisher = {Hacettepe {\"U}niversitesi},
  year = {2026},
  month = {6},
  url = {https://hacettepe.hbtech.com.tr/en/publication/added-sugar-content-in-products-sold-in-a-large-scale-chain-supermarket-in-ankara},
  language = {en},
  keywords = {Nutritional Science},
  abstract = {Aim: Added sugar refers to sugars added to foods during processing or preparation. Excessive consumption of added sugar is associated with negative health outcomes such as obesity, cardiovascular disease, tooth decay, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. The World Health Organisation recommends that adults and children limit their added sugar intake to less than 10\% of their recommended energy intake. The Turkish Nutrition Guidelines make similar recommendations. This study aims to investigate the added sugar content in packaged foods in Ankara. Materials and Methods: This study analysed the presence, amount, and types of added sugar in packaged foods sold in a large-scale chain supermarket in Ankara, T{\"u}rkiye. Information on product name and type and nutritional values was obtained from the labels of all products in the store. Results: The study found that 1,554 packaged products (60.2\%) contained at least one type of added sugar. The most commonly used types of added sugar were white sugar and syrups. The highest proportion of added sugar was observed in carbohydrate- and fat-rich products, where 952 out of 1,048 items (91\%) contained added sugar. Conclusion: This study highlights the high consumption of added sugar in T{\"u}rkiye and emphasizes the need for consumers to make informed choices. The profound presence of added sugars in packaged foods and the extensive use of diverse sugar derivatives need attention and careful consideration for healthy food preferences.},
  affiliation = {Dicle {\"U}niversitesi and HACETTEPE UNIVERSITY}
}

TY  - JOUR
AU  - Uçar, Esra
AU  - Tengilimoğlu Metin, M.merve
TI  - Added Sugar Content in Products Sold in a Large-Scale Chain Supermarket in Ankara
T2  - Current Research in Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics Journal
VL  - 1
IS  - 2
PY  - 2026
DA  - 2026/06/22/
SP  - 88
EP  - 96
PB  - Hacettepe Üniversitesi
UR  - https://hacettepe.hbtech.com.tr/en/publication/added-sugar-content-in-products-sold-in-a-large-scale-chain-supermarket-in-ankara
AB  - Aim: Added sugar refers to sugars added to foods during processing or preparation. Excessive consumption of added sugar is associated with negative health outcomes such as obesity, cardiovascular disease, tooth decay, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. The World Health Organisation recommends that adults and children limit their added sugar intake to less than 10% of their recommended energy intake. The Turkish Nutrition Guidelines make similar recommendations. This study aims to investigate the added sugar content in packaged foods in Ankara. Materials and Methods: This study analysed the presence, amount, and types of added sugar in packaged foods sold in a large-scale chain supermarket in Ankara, Türkiye. Information on product name and type and nutritional values was obtained from the labels of all products in the store. Results: The study found that 1,554 packaged products (60.2%) contained at least one type of added sugar. The most commonly used types of added sugar were white sugar and syrups. The highest proportion of added sugar was observed in carbohydrate- and fat-rich products, where 952 out of 1,048 items (91%) contained added sugar. Conclusion: This study highlights the high consumption of added sugar in Türkiye and emphasizes the need for consumers to make informed choices. The profound presence of added sugars in packaged foods and the extensive use of diverse sugar derivatives need attention and careful consideration for healthy food preferences.
KW  - Nutritional Science
LA  - en
AD  - Dicle Üniversitesi
AD  - HACETTEPE UNIVERSITY
ER  -