Objective
To describe the energy and sodium content of foods reported in the 2018–2019 National Household Income and Expenditure Survey of Costa Rica, classified using the NOVA system, by urban/rural residence and income quintiles.
Methods
Descriptive study in which records of food purchases from the 2018–2019 National Household Income and Expenditure Survey were converted to energy and sodium content by means of food composition tables. Foods were classified into the four NOVA groups and analyzed according to urban/rural residence and income quintiles.
Results
Of the 737 foods analyzed, 52% were processed or ultra-processed (14% in group 3 and 38% in group 4). The remaining 48% corresponded to unprocessed or minimally processed foods and processed culinary ingredients (groups 1 and 2). Of the total energy consumed (2,302 kcal per person per day [kcal/p/d]), approximately 26% came from groups 3 and 4. Overall energy consumption was higher in urban areas (2,252 kcal/p/d versus 2,422 kcal/p/d in rural areas). Group 4 food consumption was higher in urban areas (21.3% versus 14.0%, respectively). Group 2 contributed 2.53 g/p/d of sodium, followed by group 4 with 0.84 g/p/d.
Conclusions
Processed culinary ingredients and ultra-processed foods are the main sources of dietary sodium in Costa Rica, indicating the need for public policies to prevent chronic noncommunicable diseases associated with excessive sodium consumption. The pattern of energy consumption in Costa Rica is stable, the main source being unprocessed and minimally processed foods, led by cereals, grains, and pastas. However, processed and ultra-processed foods contribute at least a quarter of caloric intake.