Aspectos sensoriais e regulatórios das bebidas açucaradas: um estudo integrado

Abstract

Introduction: Sugar-sweetened beverages are a global concern when discussing the advancement of chronic diseases such as diabetes and obesity, especially since they already affect children. Objectives: This study aims to characterize sweetened beverages in terms of the sensory profile that affects consumption and to identify regulatory instruments for taxation and labeling in Brazil, aiming to reduce health risks. Method: Narrative literature review and online search on official public channels of regulatory bodies, using bibliographic and documentary research as procedures. Results and Discussion: The sensory characteristics of sugar have led the food industry to produce ultra-processed products that increase the desire to consume them; the amount of added sugar in food increases our preference for it and in its liquid form, the sweetened food has less satiety power, increasing its consumption. One of the measures proposed to reduce this consumption is the taxation of sweetened beverages, approved in December 2024. All beverages must be registered with the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply, sugars added to non-alcoholic beverages must be expressed in sucrose. Starting in October 2022, the new nutritional labeling for packaged foods in the absence of the consumer came into effect, with a front warning about high content of sugar, sodium, and saturated fat, approved by the National Health Surveillance Agency. Conclusions: The consumption of sweetened beverages can be reduced by increasing their price and providing information about their high sugar content, highlighting the importance of regulatory bodies in addressing public health issues.