Nutrient profiling of foods on the Bulgarian market

Background

Non-communicable diseases are the leading cause of mortality in Bulgaria and the EU. Diets high in salt, saturated fat and sugars are key drivers. Policy frameworks emphasize reformulation and healthier food environments. The present study aims to assess the nutrient composition of commonly consumed foods in Bulgaria and map it among other European countries.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey of 2,262 pre-packaged foods from five categories (bread and bakery, dairy, meat products, breakfast cereals, soft drinks) was conducted in major supermarkets (Sept–Dec 2022) within the Second European Snapshot of harmonized monitoring of processed food reformulation across Europe (2020–2023). Nutrient values per 100 g/ml were extracted from labels. Descriptive statistics were computed for major nutrients and compared with data collected by other European countires.

Results

Breakfast cereals had the highest median energy (381 kcal/100 g), followed by bread (282) and processed meats (253). Processed meats showed the highest saturated fat (median 8.3 g/100 g; max 62.8 g) and salt content (2.7 g/100 g; upper quartile >3.8 g). Cereals had the highest sugars content (∼19 g/100 g; max 37 g). Bread products exhibited lower salt levels (0.96 g/100 g; 75% <1.2 g). Compared with EU data, Bulgarian processed meats rank high in salt and fat, and cereals in sugars, whereas bread and dairy food categories perform comparatively better in salt and sugar content.

Conclusions

Elevated levels of salt, saturated fat and sugars support the need for establishing mandatory national reformulation targets. Setting benchmarks, engaging industry and strengthening monitoring could reduce population exposure to risk nutrients and NCD burden.

Key messages

• Nutrient profiling of 2,262 foods shows high levels of salt, sugars and saturated fat in key food groups and highlights the need for mandatory national reformulation policies.

• Systematic monitoring of food composition supports evidence-based action to reduce diet-related NCD risk.