A cross-sectional study of sports food consumption patterns, experiences, and perceptions amongst non-athletes

Background Sports foods are designed for athletes, yet over the last decade there has been a substantial increase in the availability, types, and sales of sports foods in mainstream retailers, likely driven through consumption by non-athletes. This could lead to detrimental health outcomes via over/misuse or unwanted side-effects. This study aimed to describe sports food consumption patterns, drivers associated with consumption, describe the reasons why they are consumed, perception of risks, and side effects experienced amongst non-athletes. Methods In 2022, non-athlete Australian adults (18–65 years) completed an online cross-sectional survey including closed ended questions on patterns of sports food consumption, exercise participation, factors influencing consumption. Open-ended questions on why sports foods were consumed, perceptions of the risks, and side effects experienced were also included. Descriptive statistics (frequencies, percent) were used to describe the characteristics of the sample. Ordinal logistic regression was used to determine the odds ratio, confidence interval and chi square significance for univariate associations. A multivariate model was used to determine relationships between sports food consumption frequency proxy categories (dependant variable) and significant univariate associations. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Open-ended questions were analysed using inductive thematic analysis in NVivo 14 (QSR International Pty Ltd, 2021). Results Females consumed sports foods more frequently, 65% of participants consumed 3 or more product types and those who consumed more sports food types were less likely to perceive risks related to their consumption or experience side effects. Protein intake was a major stated reason for why sports foods were consumed, the major perceived risks were digestion and stomach issues and main side effect experienced was bloating. Conclusion Despite understanding risks and experiencing side effects, non-athlete consumers ingest numerous sports foods, particularly protein products. Consumption of sports foods appears to be influenced by sociodemographic factors and packaging labels. Tighter regulation around enforcement of packaging label information and restrictions for media advertising would benefit non-athlete consumers and ensure safer and more informed consumption.