A comparison of the cost of generic and branded food products in Australian supermarkets

Public Health Nutrition

Margaret Allman-Farinelli¹  Christine Innes-Hughes¹  Bridget Kelly¹  Adrian Bauman¹  David Goldsbury¹  Kathryn Chapman¹ 

关键词: Food costs;    Generic;    Nutrition;   

DOI  :  10.1017/S1368980012000961

学科分类：卫生学

来源: Cambridge University Press

【 摘 要 】

ObjectiveFood cost is an important factor influencing the consumption of nutritious foods and subsequent chronic disease risk. The present study compared the cost of branded food products with their generic equivalents across a range of food categories.SettingThe survey was conducted within two major supermarket chains across six locations in Sydney, Australia (n 12).DesignPrice differences were calculated for ‘core’ (nutrient dense and low in energy) and ‘extra’ (high in undesirable nutrients and/or energy) packaged foods (n 22) between generic and branded items.ResultsA cost saving of 44 % was found by purchasing generic over branded products across all food categories. The most significant savings were for core foods, such as bread and cereals, and the smallest cost savings were seen for fruit products. There was little variation in cost saving between branded and generic products by socio-economic status of the supermarket location.ConclusionsThe large price differential between branded and generic food products implies that consumers, particularly those on lower incomes, could benefit financially from purchasing generic items. The promotion of core generic products may be an effective strategy to assist people on lower incomes to meet dietary guidelines.

【 授权许可】

Unknown