A Survey Evaluating the Sugar and Nutrient Labeling of Biscuits and Cakes Available for Sale in the City of Soran, Kurdistan Region of Iraq

Authors

  • Samiaa J Abdulwahid-Kurdi Samiaa J Abdulwahid-Kurdi, General Sciences Department, Faculty of Education, University of Soran, Delizyan 44008, Soran, Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq, IRAQ. Author
  • Nuhat Sherzad Abdullah General Sciences Department, Faculty of Education, University of Soran, Delizyan 44008, Soran, Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq, IRAQ. Author
  • Rafh Ramazan Muhammed General Sciences Department, Faculty of Education, University of Soran, Delizyan 44008, Soran, Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq, IRAQ. Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47363/JFTNS/2026(8)242

Keywords:

Nutritional value , Non-Communicable Disease, Soran City, Sugar Content

Abstract

Background: Biscuits and cakes are widely consumed packaged foods that can contribute significantly to dietary sugar and energy intake. This study
aimed to evaluate the sugar content, energy value, and overall nutritional composition of biscuits, cookies, and cakes available in local markets in
Soran city, Kurdistan Region of Iraq.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted between October and December 2025. A total of 112 packaged products were randomly collected
from 7 local medium and supermarkets, representing commonly visited commercial areas, and included items from 27 countries. Nutritional
information, including energy, total sugars, carbohydrates, fat, protein, and selected minerals, was obtained from product labels and standardized
per 100 g for comparison.

Results: The results showed variation in product distribution by country of origin. For biscuits, products from Turkey represented the highest
proportion (35%), followed by Iran and Spain (16% each). In cookies, Turkey and Spain each accounted for 24%, while Iran and Germany contributed
14% each. For cakes, nearly half of the products originated from Turkey (48%), followed by Germany (13%) and several countries contributing smaller proportions (4–9%). These findings indicate a strong dominance of imported products, particularly from Turkey. In addition, cakes generally showed higher sugar and energy values compared to biscuits and cookies.

Conclusion: Overall, many products were energy-dense and high in sugar, highlighting the importance of clear nutritional labelling and increased
consumer awareness to support healthier food choices.

Author Biographies

  • Samiaa J Abdulwahid-Kurdi, Samiaa J Abdulwahid-Kurdi, General Sciences Department, Faculty of Education, University of Soran, Delizyan 44008, Soran, Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq, IRAQ.

    Samiaa J Abdulwahid-Kurdi, General Sciences Department, Faculty of Education, University of Soran, Delizyan 44008, Soran, Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq, IRAQ.

  • Nuhat Sherzad Abdullah, General Sciences Department, Faculty of Education, University of Soran, Delizyan 44008, Soran, Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq, IRAQ.

    Nuhat Sherzad Abdullah, General Sciences Department, Faculty of Education, University of Soran, Delizyan 44008, Soran, Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq, IRAQ.

  • Rafh Ramazan Muhammed, General Sciences Department, Faculty of Education, University of Soran, Delizyan 44008, Soran, Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq, IRAQ.

    Rafh Ramazan Muhammed, General Sciences Department, Faculty of Education, University of Soran, Delizyan 44008, Soran, Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq, IRAQ.

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Published

2026-08-31

Issue

Vol. 8 No. 4 (2026): Volume 8 Issue 4

Section

Articles