1
|
Strässner AM, Wirth W. Shades and shifts in flexitarian and meat-oriented consumer profiles in a German panel study. Appetite 2024; 197:107298. [PMID: 38479470 DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2024.107298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
Consumers' growing awareness of the adverse effects of high meat consumption has led to increased attention to flexitarian or meat-reduced diets. However, most flexitarians do not significantly reduce their meat consumption and still eat many meat-based meals. This study aims to classify the large and heterogeneous consumer group of flexitarians into different profiles based on attitudinal, normative, and control beliefs about meat reduction. Being aware that consumer profiles can change over time, this study explores the dynamics of the identified profiles using a two-wave panel survey of 430 German consumers. Latent profile analysis revealed distinct flexitarian and meat-oriented consumer profiles, including three stable profiles and one non-stable profile across both waves. The findings indicate that flexitarian and meat-oriented consumer profiles differ significantly in their belief structure about meat reduction and that consumers can switch back and forth to other profiles over time. Practitioners should be aware of changes in the belief structure of flexitarian and meat-oriented consumer profiles when developing meat reduction interventions. Further research is needed to understand the reasons behind these profile shifts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna-Maria Strässner
- Zurich University of Applied Sciences, School of Management and Law, Institute of Marketing Management, Switzerland.
| | - Werner Wirth
- University of Zurich, Institute of Communication and Media Research, Department of Media Psychology and Media Effects, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Hughes JP, Weick M, Vasiljevic M. Can Environmental Traffic Light Warning Labels Reduce Meat Meal Selection? A Randomised Experimental Study with UK Meat Consumers. Appetite 2024:107500. [PMID: 38763297 DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2024.107500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2024] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
An important area for tackling climate change and health improvement is reducing population meat consumption. Traffic light labelling has successfully been implemented to reduce the consumption of unhealthy foods and sugary drinks. The present research extends this work to meat selection. We tested 1,300 adult UK meat consumers (with quotas for age and gender to approximate a nationally representative sample). Participants were randomised into one of four experimental groups: (1) a red traffic light label with the text 'High Climate Impact' displayed on meat meal options only; (2) a green traffic light label with the text 'Low Climate Impact' displayed on vegetarian and vegan meal options only; (3) red/orange/green (ROG) traffic light labels displayed on relevant meals; and (4) control (no label present). Participants made meal selections within their randomised group across 20 meal trials. A beta-regression was performed to ascertain the change in primary outcome (proportion of meat meals selected across the 20 trials) across the different groups. The red-only label and ROG labels significantly reduced the proportion of meat meals selected compared to the unlabelled control group, by 9.2% and 9.8% respectively. The green-only label did not differ from control. Negatively framed traffic light labels seem to be effective at discouraging meat selection. The labels appeared to be moderately acceptable to meat eaters, who did not think the labels impacted the appeal of the products. These encouraging findings require replication in real-life settings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jack P Hughes
- Department of Psychology, Durham University, Durham, UK.
| | - Mario Weick
- Department of Psychology, Durham University, Durham, UK
| | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Willits-Smith A, Taillie LS, Jaacks LM, Frank SM, Grummon AH. Effects of red meat taxes and warning labels on food groups selected in a randomized controlled trial. Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act 2024; 21:39. [PMID: 38622655 PMCID: PMC11020801 DOI: 10.1186/s12966-024-01584-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND High consumption of red and processed meat contributes to both health and environmental harms. Warning labels and taxes for red meat reduce selection of red meat overall, but little is known about how these potential policies affect purchases of subcategories of red meat (e.g., processed versus unprocessed) or of non-red-meat foods (e.g., cheese, pulses) relevant to health and environmental outcomes. This study examined consumer responses to warning labels and taxes for red meat in a randomized controlled trial. METHODS In October 2021, we recruited 3,518 US adults to complete a shopping task in a naturalistic online grocery store. Participants were randomly assigned to one of four arms: control (no warning labels or tax), warning labels only (health and environmental warning labels appeared next to products containing red meat), tax only (prices of products containing red meat were increased 30%) or combined warning labels + tax. Participants selected items to hypothetically purchase, which we categorized into food groups based on the presence of animal- and plant-source ingredients (e.g., beef, eggs, pulses), meat processing level (e.g., processed pork versus unprocessed pork), and meat species (e.g., beef versus pork). We assessed the effects of the warning labels and tax on selections from each food group. RESULTS Compared to control, all three interventions led participants to select fewer items with processed meat (driven by reductions in processed pork) and (for the tax and warning labels + tax interventions only) fewer items with unprocessed meat (driven by reductions in unprocessed beef). All three interventions also led participants to select more items containing cheese, while only the combined warning labels + tax intervention led participants to select more items containing processed poultry. Except for an increase in selection of pulses in the tax arm, the interventions did not affect selections of fish or seafood (processed or unprocessed), eggs, or plant-based items (pulses, nuts & seeds, tofu, meat mimics, grains & potatoes, vegetables). CONCLUSIONS Policies to reduce red meat consumption are also likely to affect consumption of other types of foods that are relevant to both health and environmental outcomes. TRIAL REGISTRATION NCT04716010 on www. CLINICALTRIALS gov .
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amelia Willits-Smith
- Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 27516, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Lindsey Smith Taillie
- Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 27516, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Department of Nutrition, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 27516, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Lindsay M Jaacks
- Global Academy of Agriculture and Food Systems, The University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, UK
| | - Sarah M Frank
- Global Academy of Agriculture and Food Systems, The University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, UK
| | - Anna H Grummon
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, 3145 Porter Drive, A103, 94034, Palo Alto, CA, USA.
- Department of Health Policy, Stanford University School of Medicine, 94305, Stanford, CA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Hall MG, Ruggles PR, McNeel K, Prestemon CE, Lee CJY, Lowery CM, Campos AD, Taillie LS. Understanding Whether Price Tag Messaging Can Amplify the Benefits of Taxes: An Online Experiment. Am J Prev Med 2024; 66:609-618. [PMID: 38189693 PMCID: PMC10957315 DOI: 10.1016/j.amepre.2023.11.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Excise taxes on unhealthy products like sugary drinks and tobacco can reduce purchases of these products. However, little research has investigated whether messages at the point of purchase, such as enhanced price tags, can increase the effects of taxes by heightening psychological reactions. This study aimed to examine whether including messages about taxes on price tags could amplify the benefits of excise taxes on unhealthy products. METHODS In 2022, an online study recruited 1,013 U.S. parents to view seven price tag messages (e.g., "includes a 19% sugary drink tax") and a control (i.e., standard price tag with the tax included in the price) displayed in random order alongside sugary drinks. Participants were randomly assigned to view a caution-symbol icon or no icon on price tags. Analyses were conducted in 2023. RESULTS All seven messages discouraged parents from buying sugary drinks for their children compared to control (average differential effects [ADEs] ranged from 0.28 to 0.48, all p<0.001). All messages led to greater attention to the price tag (ADEs ranged from 0.24 to 0.41, all p<0.001) and greater consideration of the cost of sugary drinks (ADEs ranged from 0.31 to 0.50, all p<0.001). Icons elicited higher cost consideration than text-only price tags (ADE=0.15, p<0.010), but not discouragement (p=0.061) or attention (p=0.079). CONCLUSIONS Messaging on price tags could make excise taxes more effective. Policymakers should consider requiring messaging on price tags when implementing taxes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marissa G Hall
- Department of Health Behavior, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina; Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina; Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
| | - Phoebe R Ruggles
- Department of Health Behavior, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina; Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Katherine McNeel
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Carmen E Prestemon
- Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Cristina J Y Lee
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California
| | - Caitlin M Lowery
- Department of Nutrition, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Aline D'Angelo Campos
- Department of Health Behavior, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina; Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Lindsey Smith Taillie
- Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina; Department of Nutrition, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Grummon AH, Zeitlin AB, Lee CJY. Developing messages to encourage healthy, sustainable dietary substitutions: A qualitative study with US emerging adults. Appetite 2024; 195:107223. [PMID: 38246428 PMCID: PMC10923059 DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2024.107223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
Prior research shows that adopting simple dietary substitutions (e.g., replacing beef with poultry or plant-based entrees) can improve dietary quality and reduce the negative environmental consequences of food production, but little is known about how to encourage people to adopt these substitutions. This study aimed to examine reactions to messages encouraging healthy, sustainable dietary substitutions among emerging adults ages 18-25. We conducted four online focus groups with a diverse sample of US emerging adults (n = 28; 61% female). Focus groups explored emerging adults' reactions to messages encouraging them to adopt three target dietary substitutions: replacing beef and pork with poultry and plant-based entrees; replacing juice with whole fruit; and replacing dairy milk with non-dairy milk. We transcribed discussions verbatim and adopted a thematic approach to analyzing the transcripts. Results showed that participants perceived messages to be most effective at encouraging the target dietary substitutions when the messages: encouraged specific, achievable dietary changes; linked these dietary changes to clear consequences; included personally relevant content; included statistics; were succinct; and used a positive tone. Across the target dietary substitutions, two message topics (small changes, big benefits, which emphasized how small dietary changes can have large positive health and environmental impacts, and warning, which discussed the negative health and environmental impacts of dietary choices) were generally perceived to be most effective. A few participants expressed doubt that the target dietary substitutions would have meaningful environmental impacts. Results suggest that campaign messages to encourage healthy, sustainable dietary substitutions may be more effective if the messages make the target dietary substitutions seem achievable and use statistics to clearly describe the positive impacts of making these changes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna H Grummon
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, 3145 Porter Dr., Palo Alto, CA 94304, United States; Department of Health Policy, Stanford University School of Medicine, 615 Crothers Way, Encina Commons, Stanford, CA 94305, United States.
| | - Amanda B Zeitlin
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, 3145 Porter Dr., Palo Alto, CA 94304, United States; Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, 3180 Porter Dr., Palo Alto, CA 94304, United States.
| | - Cristina J Y Lee
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, 3145 Porter Dr., Palo Alto, CA 94304, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Hughes JP, Weick M, Vasiljevic M. Impact of pictorial warning labels on meat meal selection: A randomised experimental study with UK meat consumers. Appetite 2023; 190:107026. [PMID: 37689371 DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2023.107026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023]
Abstract
Meat consumption has been linked to adverse health consequences, worsening climate change, and the risk of pandemics. Meat is however a popular food product and dissuading people from consuming meat has proven difficult. Outside the realm of meat consumption, previous research has shown that pictorial warning labels are effective at curbing tobacco smoking and reducing the consumption of sugary drinks and alcohol. The present research extends this work to hypothetical meat meal selection, using an online decision-making task to test whether people's meal choices can be influenced by pictorial warning labels focused on the health, climate, or pandemic risks associated with consuming meat. Setting quotas for age and gender to approximate a UK nationally representative sample, a total of n = 1001 adult meat consumers (aged 18+) were randomised into one of four experimental groups: health pictorial warning label, climate pictorial warning label, pandemic pictorial warning label, or control (no warning label present). All warning labels reduced the proportion of meat meals selected significantly compared to the control group, with reductions ranging from -7.4% to -10%. There were no statistically significant differences in meat meal selection between the different types of warning labels. We discuss implications for future research, policy, and practice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jack P Hughes
- Department of Psychology, Durham University, Upper Mountjoy, South Road, Durham, DH1 3LE, UK.
| | - Mario Weick
- Department of Psychology, Durham University, Upper Mountjoy, South Road, Durham, DH1 3LE, UK
| | - Milica Vasiljevic
- Department of Psychology, Durham University, Upper Mountjoy, South Road, Durham, DH1 3LE, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Cook B, Costa Leite J, Rayner M, Stoffel S, van Rijn E, Wollgast J. Consumer Interaction with Sustainability Labelling on Food Products: A Narrative Literature Review. Nutrients 2023; 15:3837. [PMID: 37686869 PMCID: PMC10489983 DOI: 10.3390/nu15173837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Sustainability labelling on food products can help consumers make informed purchasing decisions and support the urgent transition to sustainable food systems. While there is a relatively robust body of evidence on health and nutrition labelling, less is known about the effectiveness of sustainability labelling in facilitating sustainable food choices. This paper investigates the impact of sustainability labelling on consumer understanding, attitudes, and behaviour to support a more nuanced, detailed, and holistic understanding of the evidence. Using a narrative literature review methodology, the paper assesses studies covering environmental, social, and/or animal welfare aspects of sustainability labelling on food products. We found that consumer understanding of sustainability information is often limited, which could hinder behaviour change. While sustainability labelling can influence consumer attitudes and purchasing behaviours, evidence from real consumer settings tends to show small effect sizes. Consumers are generally willing to pay more for sustainability-labelled products, and organic labelling often leads to the highest reported willingness to pay. The review emphasises the importance of trust, suggesting a preference for labelling backed by governments or public authorities. Sustainability labelling that uses intuitively understandable cues has an increased impact, with visual aids such as traffic light colours showing promise. We conclude that further research is needed in real-world settings, using representative populations and exploring the influence of demographic factors, values, and attitudes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brian Cook
- Independent Researcher, Oxford OX4 3UD, UK;
| | - João Costa Leite
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), 21027 Ispra, Italy; (J.C.L.); (E.v.R.)
| | - Mike Rayner
- Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7LF, UK;
| | - Sandro Stoffel
- Research Department of Behavioural Science and Health, University College London (UCL), London WC1E 6BT, UK;
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Medicine (ECPM), University of Basel, CH-4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Elaine van Rijn
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), 21027 Ispra, Italy; (J.C.L.); (E.v.R.)
| | - Jan Wollgast
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), 21027 Ispra, Italy; (J.C.L.); (E.v.R.)
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Taillie LS, Bercholz M, Prestemon CE, Higgins ICA, Grummon AH, Hall MG, Jaacks LM. Impact of taxes and warning labels on red meat purchases among US consumers: A randomized controlled trial. PLoS Med 2023; 20:e1004284. [PMID: 37721952 PMCID: PMC10545115 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1004284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Policies to reduce red meat intake are important for mitigating climate change and improving public health. We tested the impact of taxes and warning labels on red meat purchases in the United States. The main study question was, will taxes and warning labels reduce red meat purchases? METHODS AND FINDINGS We recruited 3,518 US adults to participate in a shopping task in a naturalistic online grocery store from October 18, 2021 to October 28, 2021. Participants were randomized to one of 4 conditions: control (no tax or warning labels, n = 887), warning labels (health and environmental warning labels appeared next to products containing red meat, n = 891), tax (products containing red meat were subject to a 30% price increase, n = 874), or combined warning labels + tax (n = 866). We used fractional probit and Poisson regression models to assess the co-primary outcomes, percent, and count of red meat purchases, and linear regression to assess the secondary outcomes of nutrients purchased. Most participants identified as women, consumed red meat 2 or more times per week, and reported doing all of their household's grocery shopping. The warning, tax, and combined conditions led to lower percent of red meat-containing items purchased, with 39% (95% confidence interval (CI) [38%, 40%]) of control participants' purchases containing red meat, compared to 36% (95% CI [35%, 37%], p = 0.001) of warning participants, 34% (95% CI [33%, 35%], p < 0.001) of tax participants, and 31% (95% CI [30%, 32%], p < 0.001) of combined participants. A similar pattern was observed for count of red meat items. Compared to the control, the combined condition reduced calories purchased (-312.0 kcals, 95% CI [-590.3 kcals, -33.6 kcals], p = 0.027), while the tax (-10.4 g, 95% CI [-18.2 g, -2.5 g], p = 0.01) and combined (-12.8 g, 95% CI [-20.7 g, -4.9 g], p = 0.001) conditions reduced saturated fat purchases; no condition affected sodium purchases. Warning labels decreased the perceived healthfulness and environmental sustainability of red meat, while taxes increased perceived cost. The main limitations were that the study differed in sociodemographic characteristics from the US population, and only about 30% to 40% of the US population shops for groceries online. CONCLUSIONS Warning labels and taxes reduced red meat purchases in a naturalistic online grocery store. Trial Registration: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ NCT04716010.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lindsey Smith Taillie
- Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
- Department of Nutrition, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Maxime Bercholz
- Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Carmen E. Prestemon
- Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Isabella C. A. Higgins
- Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
- Department of Health Behavior, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Anna H. Grummon
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California, United States of America
| | - Marissa G. Hall
- Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
- Department of Health Behavior, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Lindsay M. Jaacks
- Global Academy of Agriculture and Food Systems, University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Willits-Smith A, Odinga H, O’Malley K, Rose D. Demographic and Socioeconomic Correlates of Disproportionate Beef Consumption among US Adults in an Age of Global Warming. Nutrients 2023; 15:3795. [PMID: 37686827 PMCID: PMC10489941 DOI: 10.3390/nu15173795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 08/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Concern for the environment when making dietary choices has grown as the contribution of the food sector to global greenhouse gas emissions becomes more widely known. Understanding the correlates of beef eating could assist in the targeting of campaigns to reduce the consumption of high-impact foods. The objective of this study was to identify the demographic, socioeconomic, and behavioral correlates of disproportionate beef consumption in the United States. We analyzed 24-h dietary recall data from adults (n = 10,248) in the 2015-2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Disproportionate beef consumption was defined as an intake greater than four ounce-equivalents per 2200 kcal. Associations of this indicator variable with gender, age, race/ethnicity, education, family income, diet knowledge, and away-from-home meals were assessed using logistic regression, incorporating survey design and weighting. Disproportionate beef diets were consumed by 12% of individuals, but accounted for half of all beef consumed. Males were more likely than females (p < 0.001) to consume these diets. This relationship was seen in all bivariate and multivariable models. Older adults, college graduates, and those who looked up the MyPlate educational campaign online were less likely (p < 0.01) to consume a disproportionate beef diet. While almost one-third of reported consumption came from cuts of beef (e.g., steak or brisket), six of the top ten beef sources were mixed dishes: burgers, meat mixed dishes, burritos and tacos, frankfurters, soups, and pasta. Efforts to address climate change through diet modification could benefit from targeting campaigns to the highest consumers of beef, as their consumption accounts for half of all beef consumed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amelia Willits-Smith
- Tulane Nutrition, School of Public Health & Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA; (A.W.-S.); (H.O.); (K.O.)
- Global Food Research Program, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27516, USA
| | - Harmonii Odinga
- Tulane Nutrition, School of Public Health & Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA; (A.W.-S.); (H.O.); (K.O.)
- Long School of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Keelia O’Malley
- Tulane Nutrition, School of Public Health & Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA; (A.W.-S.); (H.O.); (K.O.)
| | - Donald Rose
- Tulane Nutrition, School of Public Health & Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA; (A.W.-S.); (H.O.); (K.O.)
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Grummon AH, Musicus AA, Salvia MG, Thorndike AN, Rimm EB. Impact of Health, Environmental, and Animal Welfare Messages Discouraging Red Meat Consumption: An Online Randomized Experiment. J Acad Nutr Diet 2023; 123:466-476.e26. [PMID: 36223865 PMCID: PMC10166581 DOI: 10.1016/j.jand.2022.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Revised: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Reducing red meat consumption is a key strategy for curbing diet-related chronic diseases and mitigating environmental harms from livestock farming. Messaging interventions aiming to reduce red meat consumption have focused on communicating the animal welfare, health, or environmental harms of red meat. Despite the popularity of these 3 approaches, it remains unknown which is most effective, as limited studies have compared them side by side. OBJECTIVE Our aim was to evaluate responses to red-meat-reduction messages describing animal welfare, health, or environmental harms. DESIGN This was an online randomized experiment. PARTICIPANTS In August 2021, a convenience sample of US adults was recruited via an online panel to complete a survey (n = 2,773 nonvegetarians and vegans were included in primary analyses). INTERVENTION Participants were randomly assigned to view 1 of the 4 following messages: control (neutral, non-red meat message), animal welfare, health, or environmental red-meat-reduction messages. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES After viewing their assigned message, participants ordered hypothetical meals from 2 restaurants (1 full service and 1 quick service) and rated message reactions, perceptions, and intentions. STATISTICAL ANALYSES PERFORMED Logistic and linear regressions were performed. RESULTS Compared with the control message, exposure to the health and environmental red-meat-reduction messages reduced red meat selection from the full-service restaurant by 6.0 and 8.8 percentage points, respectively (P = .02 and P < .001, respectively), while the animal welfare message did not (reduction of 3.3 percentage points, P = .20). None of the red-meat-reduction messages affected red meat selection from the quick-service restaurant. All 3 red-meat-reduction messages elicited beneficial effects on key predictors of behavior change, including emotions and thinking about harms. CONCLUSIONS Red-meat-reduction messages, especially those describing health or environmental harms, hold promise for reducing red meat selection in some types of restaurants. Additional interventions may be needed to discourage red meat selection across a wider variety of restaurants, for example, by making salient which menu items contain red meat.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna H Grummon
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, Boston, Massachusetts.
| | - Aviva A Musicus
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Meg G Salvia
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Anne N Thorndike
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts; Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Eric B Rimm
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts; Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts; Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Wolfson JA, Musicus AA, Leung CW, Gearhardt AN, Falbe J. Effect of Climate Change Impact Menu Labels on Fast Food Ordering Choices Among US Adults: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Netw Open 2022; 5:e2248320. [PMID: 36574248 PMCID: PMC9857560 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.48320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE There is increasing interest in strategies to encourage more environmentally sustainable food choices in US restaurants through the use of menu labels that indicate an item's potential impact on the world's climate. Data are lacking on the ideal design of such labels to effectively encourage sustainable choices. OBJECTIVE To test the effects of positive and negative climate impact menu labels on the environmental sustainability and healthfulness of food choices compared with a control label. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This randomized clinical trial used an online national US survey conducted March 30 to April 13, 2022, among a nationally representative sample of adults (aged ≥18 years) from the AmeriSpeak panel. Data were analyzed in June to October 2022. INTERVENTIONS Participants were shown a fast food menu and prompted to select 1 item they would like to order for dinner. Participants were randomized to view menus with 1 of 3 label conditions: a quick response code label on all items (control group); green low-climate impact label on chicken, fish, or vegetarian items (positive framing); or red high-climate impact label on red meat items (negative framing). MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES The main outcome was an indicator of selecting a sustainable item (ie, one without red meat). Secondary outcomes included participant health perceptions of the selected item and the Nutrition Profile Index (NPI) score of healthfulness. RESULTS Among 5049 participants (2444 female [51.6%]; 789 aged 18-29 years [20.3%], 1532 aged 30-44 years [25.9%], 1089 aged 45-59 years [23.5%], and 1639 aged ≥60 years [30.4%]; 142 Asian [5.3%], 611 Black [12.1%], and 3197 White [63.3%]; 866 Hispanic [17.2%]), high- and low-climate impact labels were effective at encouraging sustainable selections from the menu. Compared with participants in the control group, 23.5% more participants (95% CI, 13.7%-34.0%; P < .001) selected a sustainable menu item when menus displayed high-climate impact labels and 9.9% more participants (95% CI, 1.0%-19.8%; P = .03) selected a sustainable menu item when menus displayed low-climate impact labels. Across experimental conditions, participants who selected a sustainable item rated their order as healthier than those who selected an unsustainable item, according to mean perceived healthfulness score (control label: 3.4 points; 95% CI, 3.2-3.5 points vs 2.5 points; 95% CI, 2.4-2.6 points; P < .001; low-impact label: 3.7 points; 95% CI, 3.5-3.8 points vs 2.6 points; 95% CI, 2.5-2.7 points; P < .001; high-impact label: 3.5 points; 95% CI, 3.3-3.6 points vs 2.7 points; 95% CI, 2.6-2.9 points; P < .001). Participants in the high-climate impact label group selected healthier items according to mean (SE) NPI score (54.3 [0.2] points) compared with those in the low-climate impact (53.2 [0.2] points; P < .001) and control (52.9 [0.3] points; P < .001) label groups. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE This randomized clinical trial's findings suggest that climate impact menu labels, especially negatively framed labels highlighting high-climate impact items (ie, red meat), were an effective strategy to reduce red meat selections and encourage more sustainable choices. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05482204.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julia A. Wolfson
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Aviva A. Musicus
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Cindy W. Leung
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor
| | | | - Jennifer Falbe
- Department of Human Ecology, University of California, Davis
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Sigala DM, Hall MG, Musicus AA, Roberto CA, Solar SE, Fan S, Sorscher S, Nara D, Falbe J. Perceived effectiveness of added-sugar warning label designs for U.S. restaurant menus: An online randomized controlled trial. Prev Med 2022; 160:107090. [PMID: 35594928 PMCID: PMC9236625 DOI: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2022.107090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Revised: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Added-sugar consumption in the U.S. exceeds recommended limits. Policymakers are considering requiring restaurants to use menu warning labels to indicate items high in added sugar. We sought to determine whether icon-only and icon-plus-text added-sugar menu labels were (1) perceived as more effective at potentially reducing consumption of items high in added sugar and (2) increased knowledge of menu items' added-sugar content relative to control labels, and if effects differed by label design. A national sample of U.S. adults (n = 1327) participated in an online randomized experiment. Participants viewed menu items with either a control label, 1 of 6 icon-only labels, or 1 of 18 icon-plus-text labels with 3 text variations. For their assigned label, participants provided ratings of perceived message effectiveness (a validated scale of a message's potential to change behavior). Participants were also asked to classify menu items by their added-sugar content. The icon-only and icon-plus-text labels were perceived as more effective than the control label (means: 3.7 and 3.7 vs. 3.1, respectively, on a 5-point scale; p < 0.001). The icon-only and icon-plus-text groups each correctly classified 71% of menu items by added-sugar content vs. 56% in the control group (p < 0.001). All icons and text variations were perceived as similarly effective. In conclusion, relative to a control label, icon-only and icon-plus-text added-sugar menu labels were perceived as effective and helped consumers identify items high in added sugar. Menu warning labels may be a promising strategy for reducing added-sugar consumption from restaurants, but research on behavioral effects in real-world settings is needed. Clinical Trials Identifier:NCT04637412.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Desiree M Sigala
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, 1 Shields Ave, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
| | - Marissa G Hall
- Department of Health Behavior, Gillings School of Global Public Health; Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center; and Carolina Population Center; University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, 170 Rosenau Hall, CB #7400, 135 Dauer Drive, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.
| | - Aviva A Musicus
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 677 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| | - Christina A Roberto
- Department of Medical Ethics and Health Policy, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Civic Center Blvd, Building 421, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
| | - Sarah E Solar
- Human Development and Family Studies Program, Department of Human Ecology, University of California Davis, 1 Shields Ave, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
| | - Sili Fan
- Department of Statistics, University of California Davis, 1 Shields Ave, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
| | - Sarah Sorscher
- The Center for Science in the Public Interest, 1220 L St. N.W., Suite 300, Washington, D.C. 20005, USA.
| | - DeAnna Nara
- The Center for Science in the Public Interest, 1220 L St. N.W., Suite 300, Washington, D.C. 20005, USA.
| | - Jennifer Falbe
- Human Development and Family Studies Program, Department of Human Ecology, University of California Davis, 1 Shields Ave, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Taillie LS, Prestemon CE, Hall MG, Grummon AH, Vesely A, Jaacks LM. Developing health and environmental warning messages about red meat: An online experiment. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0268121. [PMID: 35749387 PMCID: PMC9231779 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0268121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The United States has among the highest per capita red meat consumption in the world. Reducing red meat consumption is crucial for minimizing the environmental impact of diets and improving health outcomes. Warning messages are effective for reducing purchases of products like sugary beverages but have not been developed for red meat. This study developed health and environmental warning messages about red meat and explored participants' reactions to these messages. METHODS A national convenience sample of US red meat consumers (n = 1,199; mean age 45 years) completed an online survey in 2020 for this exploratory study. Participants were randomized to view a series of either health or environmental warning messages (between-subjects factor) about the risks associated with eating red meat. Messages were presented in random order (within-subjects factor; 8 health messages or 10 environmental messages). Participants rated each warning message on a validated 3-item scale measuring perceived message effectiveness (PME), ranging from 1 (low) to 5 (high). Participants then rated their intentions to reduce their red meat consumption in the next 7 days. RESULTS Health warning messages elicited higher PME ratings than environmental messages (mean 2.66 vs. 2.26, p<0.001). Health warning messages also led to stronger intentions to reduce red meat consumption compared to environmental messages (mean 2.45 vs. 2.19, p<0.001). Within category (health and environmental), most pairwise comparisons of harms were not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS Health warning messages were perceived to be more effective than environmental warning messages. Future studies should measure the impact of these messages on behavioral outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lindsey Smith Taillie
- Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States of America
- Department of Nutrition, University of North Carolina Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, NC, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Carmen E. Prestemon
- Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States of America
| | - Marissa G. Hall
- Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States of America
- Department of Health Behavior, University of North Carolina Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, NC, United States of America
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States of America
| | - Anna H. Grummon
- Center for Population and Development Studies, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Cambridge, MA, United States of America
- Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Annamaria Vesely
- Department of Nutrition, University of North Carolina Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, NC, United States of America
| | - Lindsay M. Jaacks
- Global Academy of Agriculture and Food Security, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Designing Environmental Messages to Discourage Red Meat Consumption: An Online Experiment. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19052919. [PMID: 35270622 PMCID: PMC8910317 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19052919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 02/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Reducing red meat consumption in high-consuming countries is critical for mitigating climate change and preventing chronic disease. This study tested the effectiveness of messages conveying the worsening or reduction of environmental harms at discouraging red meat consumption. 1078 U.S. adults viewed seven messages in an online survey highlighting the reduction or worsening of environmental harms associated with eating red meat (between-subjects factor) and rated the messages on how much they discouraged them from wanting to buy beef. Each message highlighted a different environmental harm: deforestation, climate change, water shortages, biodiversity loss, carbon footprint, greenhouse gas emissions, or environment (within-subjects factor). No statistically significant difference was found between the reduction and worsening of environmental harms conditions for most topics, though the worsening of harms frame slightly outperformed the reduction of harms frame for the ‘environment’ topic. ‘Environment’ was also the message topic that elicited the strongest response from participants overall. Latino participants, those with more than a high school degree, and those who consume beef once a week or less rated messages as more effective than non-Latino participants, those who completed high school or less, and those who consumed beef more than once a week. Future research should explore the effect of messages on behavioral outcomes.
Collapse
|