Unpacking Kenya's Packaged Foods | AfyaPlate KE | AfyaPlate

Introduction to Kenya's Packaged Foods Landscape

According to a recent UNICEF report, approximately 70% of packaged foods and non-alcoholic beverages in Kenya exceed the recommended sugar limits. This staggering statistic highlights the need for a critical examination of the nutritional quality and labelling of packaged food products in Kenya.

Nutritional Quality of Packaged Foods in Kenya

The report analyzed over 1,000 packaged food and beverage products available in Kenyan markets, revealing alarming levels of sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats. The following table summarizes the nutritional content of some popular packaged foods in Kenya:

Food Product	Sugar Content (per serving)	Sodium Content (per serving)
Popular cereal	12g	200mg
Fruit flavored drink	20g	150mg
Savory snack	2g	350mg

Labelling of Packaged Foods in Kenya

The same report found that many packaged food products in Kenya lack clear and accurate labelling, making it difficult for consumers to make informed choices. The following table compares the labelling practices of various food manufacturers:

Manufacturer	Front-of-Pack Label	Nutrition Facts Table
Local manufacturer	No	Partial
International brand	Yes	Complete

What this means in practice

Consumer education: Registered nutritionists and dietitians must educate consumers on how to read and interpret food labels effectively.
Manufacturer accountability: Food manufacturers must be held accountable for providing accurate and clear labelling on their products.
Policy reform: Policymakers must work towards implementing stricter regulations on food labelling and nutritional content to protect consumer health. 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.

sugar content in kenyan packaged foods Photo by Faran Raufi on Unsplash

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Introduction to Kenya's Packaged Foods Landscape

Nutritional Quality of Packaged Foods in Kenya

Labelling of Packaged Foods in Kenya

What this means in practice