Knowledge of nutritional labeling and labeling of packaged foods in school snacks in adolescents of an Educational Institution of Asuncion, Paraguay

Abstract

Introduction: Nutrition labeling constitutes a fundamental tool for informed dietary decision making. The objective was to assess the knowledge of nutritional labeling and labeling of packaged foods for school snacks among adolescents aged 12 to 15 years from an educational institution in Asuncion during 2023.

Materials and methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study that included 69 students (mean age 13±0.73 years). A structured questionnaire was applied to assess knowledge of nutritional labeling and food selection patterns.

Results: 88.4% correctly identified caloric information, while only 40.6% recognized fiber information. 81.2% identified the labeling of excess sugars. A total of 66.7% acquired their snacks at the school canteen, with a predominance of daily consumption of packaged juices (31.9%) and foods without nutritional labeling (37.7%).

Conclusion: Adolescents demonstrate knowledge of nutrition labeling, particularly on calories and sugars, although this knowledge does not necessarily influence their food choices.