Nutritional Evaluation of Boxed Lunches Sold at Supermarkets in Akita Prefecture Based on the Smart Meal Standards

DOI Web Site Web Site 5 References
  • Chida Madoka
    Department of Nutrition, Akita Nutrition Junior College
  • Tanaka Keiko
    Department of Nutrition, Akita Nutrition Junior College
  • Sato Minoru
    Department of Nutrition, Akita Nutrition Junior College

Bibliographic Information

Other Title
  • スマートミールの基準からみた秋田県内スーパーマーケットの弁当の栄養評価
  • スマートミール ノ キジュン カラ ミタ アキタ ケンナイ スーパーマーケット ノ ベントウ ノ エイヨウ ヒョウカ

Search this article

Abstract

<p>Objective: This study conducted a nutritional evaluation of the boxed lunches sold at supermarkets in Akita Prefecture based on the six-item criteria of "healthy meals (smart meals)."</p><p>Methods: Bento meals were evaluated according to the ingredients, and nutritional calculation was performed. Accordingly, the smart meals were divided into two categories: those with less than 650 kcal and those with more than 650 kcal of total energy intake. A statistical analysis was performed to compare the fish lunches (n = 11) and meat lunches (n = 14) using six nutritional characteristics and reference values.</p><p>Results: Ten (40%) of the 25 boxed lunches examined had less than 650 kcal, while ten (40%) had more than 650 kcal of total energy intake; the remaining five (20%) had an energy intake of more than the upper limit of 850 kcal. There were no boxed lunches that met all the six criteria, and only 11 (44%) fulfilled four or five criteria. Notably, 44% of the boxed lunches fulfilled the required protein/fat/carbohydrate energy% (PFC%E), 40% of boxed lunches had an excessive amount of salt equivalent, and all of them lacked adequate vegetable contents. There was no significant difference in the energy contents between the meat and fish lunches (p = 0.071).</p><p>Conclusions: It was found that all boxed lunches had insufficient vegetable content, almost half had inadequate PFC%E, and 40% had excess salt equivalent. Thus, most lunch boxes have nutritional balance issues.</p>

Journal

References(5)*help

See more

Keywords

Report a problem

Back to top