Energy and nutrients content of packaged juice marketed in South Tangerang, Indonesia
Yustiyani

Department of Public Health, State Islamic University Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta, South Tangerang, Indonesia. *Email: yustiyani[at]uinjkt.ac.id

Abstract

Packaged fruit and vegetable containing juices (PFVJ) seem like a solution for the mobile and busy urban community amid the public campaign to eat more fruits and vegetables. It is convenient and available at nearby supermarkets and minimarkets. Although it may contain beneficial nutrients, it may also contain a high level of sugar. This paper aimed to evaluate the nutrient content of the PFVJ products and their contribution to the Indonesian nutrient reference value. This was an observational study conducted by photographing the label of PFVJ marketed in 5 supermarkets and 3 minimarkets around South Tangerang, Indonesia in May-June 2022. 71 out of 74 products found on the market contained the nutrition labels. The median serving size was 250 ml (IQR 200-250 ml). The products were mainly packed in carton (49.3%) or plastic bottle (42.3%). All products provided energy, fat, protein, carbohydrate, and salt information. Most products listed sugar (97.2%), vitamin C (79.8%), fiber (59.2%), potassium (31.0%), and vitamin A (22.5%) information. The median per serving energy content (120 kcal, IQR 110-134 kcal) contributed to 5.1-6.2% of nutrient reference value of energy. The sugar content (24 g, IQR 20.0-26.3 g) contributed to nearly half (48%, IQR 40.0-52.5%) of the maximum recommended sugar intake. The vitamin C content (60.8 mg, IQR 19.4-90.0 mg) contributed to 67.5% (IQR 21.5-100%) of the nutrient reference value. PFVJ might be a good source of vitamin C, but they also include a lot of sugar per serving hence it should be consumed cautiously.

Keywords: beverages, fruit, sugar, sugar-sweetened beverages, vegetables

Topic: Public Health and Global Health