Nutritional and health claims on the labeling of fermented dairy products: an analysis in the Lima Metropolitan market

Veliz Garcia V.; Picon La Torre G.A.; Saavedra-Garcia L. · Nutricion Clinica y Dietetica Hospitalaria (2026) · DOI: 10.12873/461lsaavedra

Resumen

Introduction: Fermented dairy products have experienced sustained growth driven by interest in functional foods. Nutrition labeling is a central tool for informing consumers, although claims do not always align with available scientific evidence. Objective: To analyze nutritional and health claims on the labeling of fermented dairy products sold in supermarkets in Metropolitan Lima and evaluate their nutritional composition. Material and Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional observational study conducted between October and November 2025. A total of 348 fermented dairy products available in 8 supermarkets were evaluated through systematic photographic recording of labeling, analyzing nutritional composition, claims, and probiotic strains. Results: 93.7% of the sample were yogurts. High prevalence of nutritional claims (88.5%) and lower frequency of health claims (34.8%) were observed. The most common were non-addition of ingredients (60.6%) and addition with properties (55.8%). 46.3% declared probiotic strains, predominantly Lactobacillus (37.9%). Composition showed wide energy variability (minimum: 24.0; maximum: 185.4 kcal/100g) and limited micronutrient declaration. Discussion: The high prevalence of claims contrasts with limited nutritional information, particularly for micronutrients. Compositional variability suggests formulations without standardized criteria. These characteristics may convey the impression of a healthy product, even when the overall nutritional quality or the scientific validity of the declared properties cannot always be corroborated. Conclusions: The market presents extensive use of claims with marked nutritional variability and information limitations. Strengthening regulatory criteria and oversight is required to ensure verifiable information aligned with scientific evidence.

Instituciones: Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola