Which Foods Did Chain Supermarket Brochures Promote During The COVID-19 Pandemic? A Public Health Perspective From Türkiye
Öz
Aim: Supermarket advertisements significantly influence consumer dietary behaviors, particularly during public health crises. However, limited data exist on the nutritional quality of foods promoted in Türkiye during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study assessed the nutritional quality of foods featured in supermarket brochures during the first year of the pandemic and their alignment with national dietary guidelines.
Material and Method: A retrospective analysis of 708 weekly brochures from five major supermarket chains was conducted between March 2020 and February 2021. A total of 21,350 food items were classified into 12 main food groups. Distributions were evaluated using descriptive statistics, autocorrelation, and Box–Ljung time-series analyses.
Results: The most frequently promoted items were added sugar and processed foods (39.06%), followed by meat and meat products (25.22%). In contrast, fruits, vegetables, legumes, and dairy—highlighted in national guidelines—were underrepresented. Seasonal trends showed increased early promotions of foods and later surges in supplements and fortified products.
Conclusion: There is a clear misalignment between promoted food products and national nutrition recommendations. This gap may adversely affect public health, especially during crises. Policy actions such as limiting unhealthy food advertisements, supporting healthy food promotions, establishing a monitoring system, and raising public awareness are urgently needed.
Anahtar Kelimeler
Advertisements, COVID-19, Nutrition, Nutrition Policy, Public Health
Kaynakça
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