Parental attitudes and high caloric share of ultra-processed foods in children’s lunchboxes

This study analyzed the caloric share of ultra-processed foods in preschoolers' lunchboxes and associated parental attitudes. The snacks were registered and classified according to the NOVA classification: In Natura or Minimally Processed Foods; Processed Foods; Ultra-processed Foods and Culinary Ingredients. A questionnaire was applied to the parents to identify parental attitudes. Pearson's Chi-Square, Student's t-tests, and Beta regression models were used. The caloric share of ultra-processed Food in lunchboxes was 55%, being 7% for In Natura or minimally processed foods. There was a significant association between the caloric share of ultra-processed food and parental attitudes: only sending snacks that kids like (p=0,005), choosing foods with the child's favorite TV characters(p=0,03), convenience(p=0,01), being able to buy all snacks at the supermarket(p=0,002), not reading the food label(p=0,025), not having information to prepare a healthy lunchbox(p=0,016), and the mother not being the person who prepares the lunchbox(p=0,002). Parental attitudes are strongly associated with the children's eating habits, which is why it is important strengthening public policies that regulate the provision of ultra-processed foods.