Changes in dietary patterns promoted by the emergence of alternative food systems are becoming increasingly common. The decrease in the consumption of animal-derived products promoted exponential growth in plant-based product demand and, consequently, the availability of several meat analogues for this consumer market. Plant-based meat analogues (PBMAs) were developed to mimic the physical and sensory characteristics of meats and their derivatives. Therefore, the composition of these products has been studied in some countries as an attempt to evaluate their nutritional quality in comparison with that of traditional meat products. The main aim of this study was to employ different Nutrition Classification Schemes (NCSs) to assess the nutritional quality of plant-based meat and to discuss the application of one or more NCSs in defining the identity and quality profile of these foods. Five NCSs were used: three nutrient-based (Nutri-Score; Nutrient Profiling Model (NPM) from Brazil; NPM from PAHO); one food-based (NOVA classification); and one hybrid (Plant-Based Nutrient Profile Model). The nutritional composition and ingredients were collected from labels of 349 PBMAs; 117 were classified as burgers, and 182 products employed soy as the main protein ingredient. The use of different NCSs is strategic for PBMAs' nutritional quality evaluation, and the Nutri-Score was able to show the effectiveness of differentiating products as having poor nutritional quality. In this way, the employment of NPM from Brazil is recommended as a driver for PBMAs choices, especially due to the excellent agreement between the Nutri-Score and NPM from Brazil for burgers.

Child-directed marketing frequently promotes foods high in sugar, sodium, and saturated fats, contributing to unhealthy diets and long-term health risks. This integrative review examines self-regulation and legislation in child-directed food marketing and the nutritional quality of packaged foods marketed to children. Literature was sourced from PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, including articles in English, Portuguese, Spanish, and French. Eighty-seven studies were included. Chile, Mexico, and Argentina stand out for implementing World Health Organization-recommended policies to limit unhealthy food and beverage marketing to children and extending restrictions on food labels. The review highlights the ineffectiveness of self-regulation as a single strategy for promoting healthy food choices among children. Furthermore, the exclusion of food labeling as a marketing channel represents a concerning shortcoming of the studied initiatives. We discussed key gaps in current practices, including the lack of a clear and global definition for "child" and "child-targeted food," inconsistencies between labeling practices and recommended nutrition intake for children, and the exclusion of seasonal products from analyses. The poor nutritional quality of foods marketed toward children represents a significant public health issue, threatening their long-term health. Recommendations for future action to address these challenges are pointed out.

Plant-based diets are increasingly recognized for their potential health benefits, reduced environmental impact, and alignment with ethical concerns related to animal welfare. Plant-based meat analogues (PBMAs), formulated using alternative vegetable protein sources, can contribute to the nutritional adequacy of such diets while supporting consumer adherence by replicating the sensory characteristics of conventional meat products. This study aimed to establish evidence-based nutritional recommendations for the formulation of nutritionally balanced PBMAs through expert consensus, using a modified Delphi method. Consensus was achieved for 12 nutritional recommendations across three stakeholder groups: (i) academic researchers; (ii) representatives from scientific societies, non-governmental organizations, civil society, and government agencies; and (iii) industry stakeholders involved in PBMA production. Recommendations focused on limiting nutrients of concern—such as sodium and saturated fats—were unanimously endorsed by all groups. Additionally, consensus was reached on recommendations emphasizing the inclusion of ingredients that ensure an adequate intake of essential nutrients, including proteins, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Among the six proposed regulatory recommendations, three achieved consensus. The resulting set of nutritional recommendations offers a valuable framework to support the food industry in developing PBMAs that align with consumer expectations for health, nutrition, and sustainability. Moreover, these recommendations can play a pivotal role in assisting regulatory authorities in defining identity and quality standards for PBMAs.

Front-of-pack labelling is a public health initiative to promote healthier food choices. This study aimed to examine the association of Brazilian warning labels (WLs) with consumers' purchase intentions according to consumer label reading profiles (LRPs), product motivation (hedonic/utilitarian) and claims. This was done by identifying and characterising LRPs as an individual factor. A cross-sectional online survey (n = 370), predominantly female, young and highly educated, assessed label use frequency, food choice motives, and purchase intention for seven categories of packaged foods with/without WLs. Cluster analysis identified three LRPs: Detailed, Moderate, and Practical Readers. Logistic regression explored predictors of LRPs, and three linear mixed models evaluated purchase intention based on LRPs, WL presence, and product type, controlled for demographic characteristics. WLs were consistently negative, yet with small effect, driver of purchase intention. A stronger effect size was observed when displayed on utilitarian products and those carrying claims, compared with hedonic or without claims. LRPs were the strongest predictor of purchase intention, followed by the presence of claims, regardless of WLs. Health, natural content, and ethical concerns emerged as key drivers of Detailed label engagement, while those motivated by familiarity showed lower levels of engagement (Practical Readers). Moderate Readers, who showed intermediate levels of engagement, were the only to show a within-group reduction in purchase intention associated with WLs. In conclusion, the effectiveness of WLs appeared contingent on the interplay between individual label reading profiles and product context, functioning most effectively when challenging specific positive drivers rather than as a universal deterrent.