Ultra-processed food consumption drives excessive free sugar intake among all age groups in Australia

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the contribution of ultra-processed foods to the intake of free sugars among different age groups in Australia. Methods: Dietary intakes of 12,153 participants from the National Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey (2011–12) aged 2+ years were evaluated. Food items collected through two 24-h recalls were classified according to the NOVA system. The contribution of each NOVA food group and their subgroups to total energy intake was determined by age group. Mean free sugar content in diet fractions made up exclusively of ultra-processed foods, or of processed foods, or of a combination of un/minimally processed foods and culinary ingredients (which includes table sugar ..