Abstract
<title>Abstract</title> <p> Background The escalating burden of diet-related non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) calls for a critical assessment of hidden free sugars in processed foods. In Nigeria, changing dietary habits have turned sweet biscuits into affordable, everyday snacks, yet their cumulative contribution to population-level sugar consumption remains unquantified under current food policy frameworks. Objective This study evaluates the total sugar profile of commercially available sweet biscuits in Nigeria against the benchmark established by the World Health Organization (WHO) African Region Nutrient Profile Model (≤ 6.0 g of total sugar per 100 g for sweet biscuits). It additionally utilizes dietary and fiscal predictive modeling to demonstrate that current formulation levels are excessively high, establishing an objective basis for front-of-pack labeling (FOPL) and industry-wide reformulation. Methodology: A cross-sectional nutritional audit evaluated 76 major sweet biscuit products sampled randomly from prominent retail open markets and supermarkets across Nigeria. Total sugar densities (g/100 g) were extracted from on-pack nutrient declaration panels and compared directly against the WHO African Region threshold. A deterministic dietary model simulated the impact of a standard snack serving (50 g) on the WHO guideline for free sugar intake (< 10% of daily caloric intake based on an adult standard of 2,000 kcal baseline). An economic and structural substitution model simulated how a standardized FOPL framework and tiered sugar reductions affect daily per capita sugar exposure. Results The mean sugar concentration across the 76 audited brands was <bold>29.68 g per 100 g</bold> (± 8.4 g), ranging from 13.9 g to 46.09 g. <bold>100% of the sampled sweet biscuits failed</bold> to meet the WHO African Region threshold of ≤ 6.0 g/100 g for marketing restriction to children. The lowest sugar profile found was 13.9 g/100 g, which is still more than double the regional benchmark. Dietary modeling shows that a single 50 g serving introduces <bold>14.84 g of free sugar</bold> , instantly consuming <bold>29.68% of an adult's total daily allowable sugar intake</bold> . Conclusion & Policy Recommendation: The sugar content of sweet biscuits sold in Nigeria is notably high, highlighting a vital public health focus area. To advance the goals outlined in the National Policy on Food Safety and Quality 2023, relevant regulatory bodies may find value in transitioning toward a standardized Front-of-Pack Labeling (FOPL) framework. This strategy aligns national standards with regional guidelines and establishes a transparent foundation for incremental product reformulation. </p>