O “suco de caixinha” e sua classificação quanto ao Guia Alimentar para a população brasileira

Abstract

Industrialized juices are among the most frequent items in the Brazilian diet and the lack of time and the practicality of these products become an important factor for the potentiation of this consumption. Most of the juices sold in Brazil are packaged in Tetra Pak and are therefore commonly referred to as “box juice”. The objective of this study was to evaluate the adequacy of juices ready for consumption of orange flavor, to the degree of food processing, established by the Food Guide for the Brazilian Population. Data collection was carried out in three large supermarket chains in the interior of Minas Gerais. Juices were purchased in Tetra Pak packaging or plastic bottles, in the volume of 1000mL. The list of ingredients and other information on the labels were analyzed. The juices were classified considering the degree of food processing, namely: minimally processed, processed or ultra-processed. Ten types of juice were found, 60.0% of which were ultra-processed and 40.0% minimally processed, which presupposes a higher consumption of ultra-processed products, due to the greater supply. This situation goes against what was established by the guide, who recommends prioritizing the consumption of fresh and minimally processed foods and beverages, limiting the processed and avoiding the ultra-processed. Excessive consumption of these drinks is associated with greater chances of overweight, obesity and changes in the lipid profile. It is essential to implement public policies that improve the labeling of juices and that establish effective regulations in order to prohibit or inhibit the advertising of these foods.