Last update:
11-Nov-2024

OBJECTIVE Assessment of knowledge, perceptions, as well as frequency of consumption, of ultra-processed foods in the general Greek population.

METHOD A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 374 adult men (mean age [standard deviation, SD]: 34 (15) years old) and 652 adult women (35 (14) years old) from all regions of Greece, in May 2023. Data were collected through an online, standard, self-administered and anonymous questionnaire. The classification of ultra-processed foods was based on the NOVA classification system. For the assessment of knowledge and perceptions, 16 questions were used, and a score (0–100) was created. In terms of consumption, the relevant information was collected through a short Food Frequency Questionnaire.

RESULTS A total of 29% of the participants reported daily consumption of ultra-processed foods. The ultra-processed foods with the greatest weekly consumption were packaged bread and pastries (62% of the participants), breakfast cereals, and cereal bars with sugar (49%) and packaged sweet snacks (48%). Regarding knowledge and perceptions, 40% of the participants reported that they have limited to no awareness of the term ultra-processed foods, while the mean (SD) knowledge and perceptions score was 63/100 (19). An inverse association was observed between the knowledge and perceptions score and the overall consumption of ultra-processed foods score (p=0.05).

CONCLUSIONS A moderate level of knowledge, along with a high consumption of ultra-processed foods were revealed in the Greek population, emerging the cooperation of physicians and other health professionals (especially dietitians) to raise awareness and guide the population towards healthier food choices.

Key words: Consumption, Knowledge, Nutrition, Perception, Ultra-processed foods.