South African consumer perceptions toward sugar content of fruit juice products

“

The press has diminished the role of fruit juice (FJ) as part of a healthy balanced diet quality, nutrient intake, and other health benefits, which is of vital importance in a developing country, since the consumption of FJ products is associated with a greater likelihood of meeting deficit vitamins and nutrients recommendations However, this study showed a majority of consumers already agree that FJ products are high in sugar content, which leads to the following all important question: Is the proposed sugar tax in South Africa really necessary? Is this simply a tactic to increase the governments coffers? Why only target a single ingredient of one food group, which will not curtail obesity, since the calories consumed from sugar sweetened beverage products only account for a small percentage of the total food consumption?

”