Classifying sources of low- and no-calorie sweeteners within the Canadian food composition database

Low- and no-calorie sweeteners are sugar substitutes that impart sweetness. Examining exposure to low- and no-calorie sweeteners is challenging because the amounts of sweeteners in food and beverage products are not standard elements of food composition databases. We identified food codes representing sources of low- and no-calorie sweeteners in the food composition database used for Canadian surveillance data using multiple approaches. First, food code descriptions were searched for keywords (e.g. low calorie) potentially representing low and no-calorie sweeteners. Next, the U.S. Food and Nutrient Database for Dietary Surveys food code descriptions, matched to food codes within the Canadian database, were examined for keywords representing confirmed sweetener sources. Finally, using websites for three Canadian grocers, ingredient lists for brand-specific products were examined for sources of low- and no-calorie sweeteners. Recipe codes often required an examination of ingredient-level food codes. Of 5180 food codes, 76 were classified as sources of low- and no-calorie sweeteners and an additional 46 recipe codes were identified as containing a source of sweetener. The classification system can be applied to national survey data to describe exposure to low- and no-calorie sweeteners and identify key sources of sweeteners. Standardized identification of food codes as sources of low- and no-calorie sweeteners will contribute to an evidence base that can be synthesized to inform nutrition policy. • A text-based search strategy identified sources of low- and no-calorie sweeteners (LNCSs). • Using Canada’s food composition database, 76 food codes were classified as sources of LNCS. • Examination of recipe food codes at the ingredient level is needed to accurately capture LNCSs.