Nutritional quality of plant-based beverages in Turkiye: application of the updated nutri-score algorithm

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the nutritional quality of plant-based beverages identified in selected national and local retail outlets in Turkiye using the updated Nutri-Score beverage algorithm. Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study analyzed 56 plant-based beverage products from 10 brands identified between October and November 2025. Nutritional composition and Nutri-Score classifications were summarized by plant source and compared across product subtypes. Results: Oat-based beverages had the highest median energy and sugars, coconut-based beverages had the highest median saturated fat content, and soy-based beverages had the highest median protein content by plant source. Across product subtypes, statistically significant differences were observed in energy (P = 0.0004), sugars (P < 0.001), and the percentage of fruits, vegetables and legumes (P = 0.028). Barista products had the highest median energy value, whereas unsweetened products had the lowest median energy and sugars. Nutri-Score class distribution differed significantly across product subtypes (P < 0.001). Most unsweetened products were classified as Nutri-Score B (87.5%), whereas plain/original (71.87%) and barista-type (87.5%) products were predominantly classified as Nutri-Score C. Conclusion: Among the sampled plant-based beverages, product formulation appeared to be more strongly reflected in Nutri-Score classification than plant source.