Knowledge, perceptions and consumption of ultra-processed foods in the Greek population A cross-sectional epidemiological study

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.