Packaged Food Quality | AfyaPlate KE | AfyaPlate

Practical Guide: Evaluating Nutritional Quality of Packaged Foods in Kenya

If you are a Kenyan nutritionist or a health-conscious consumer, navigating the packaged food landscape can be overwhelming. Recent studies, such as those by Unicef, highlight concerns over the nutritional quality and labelling of packaged food and non-alcoholic beverage products in Kenya.

Here are specific steps to evaluate and improve the nutritional quality of packaged foods in your practice or diet:

Check the Label: Always start by reading the nutrition label. Look for products with fewer ingredients and lower amounts of added sugars, sodium, and saturated fats.
Understand Serving Sizes: Be aware of the serving sizes and the number of servings per package. This can significantly impact the overall nutritional content.
Identify Hidden Sources of Sugar: Many packaged foods contain hidden sources of sugar. Learn to recognize different names for sugar on labels, such as high-fructose corn syrup, maltodextrin, and honey.
Choose Whole Grain Options: Whenever possible, opt for whole grain versions of packaged foods like bread, pasta, and cereals. Whole grains provide more fibre, vitamins, and minerals compared to refined grains.
Limit Processed Meats: Processed meats are high in sodium and preservatives. Limit or avoid them in favour of fresh meats and vegetables.

Sample Checklist for Evaluating Packaged Foods

Food Category	Nutrition Criteria
Breakfast Cereals	Less than 8g sugar per serving, at least 3g fibre per serving
Snack Bars	Less than 250 calories, less than 8g sugar, at least 3g protein
Juice and Beverages	100% fruit juice without added sugars, low sodium

By following these steps and using the checklist, you can make more informed decisions about the packaged foods you recommend or consume. This not only improves nutritional quality but also supports healthier eating habits in the long term.

Want to apply this in your clinical practice without the manual work? AfyaPlate — built by a Kenyan RDN, for Kenyan RDNs. Free 14-day trial at afyaplate.com/signup Always consult a registered nutritionist for personalised dietary advice.

nutrition labels on packaged foods in Kenya Photo by Photos By Beks on Unsplash

Get the Ultimate KFCT 2018 Cheat Sheet

Practical Guide: Evaluating Nutritional Quality of Packaged Foods in Kenya

Sample Checklist for Evaluating Packaged Foods