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Zhang C, Han J, Guo X, Huang J. Influence of Healthy Brand and Diagnosticity of Brand Name on Subjective Ratings of High- and Low-Calorie Food. Behav Sci (Basel) 2023; 13:bs13010070. [PMID: 36661642 PMCID: PMC9854620 DOI: 10.3390/bs13010070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Revised: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Brand names on food packaging and the diagnosticity of brand names have notable effects on consumer preferences. However, their effects on healthy food consumption are not clear. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of healthy brands and the diagnosticity of brand names on consumers' subjective ratings of different calorie foods. In two studies, participants viewed 32 pictures of high- and low-calorie food product packaging from healthy and unhealthy brands and rated their feelings and willingness to pay online. Study 1 used real brand names, and Study 2 used fictional brand names and added press releases to manipulate diagnosticity. The present study demonstrated that participants perceived foods from healthy brands as healthier but less delicious and were more willing to buy low-calorie foods from healthy brands. Moreover, only when the brand name was of high diagnosticity were high-calorie foods rated as more likable, and did the willingness to pay for low-calorie foods increase. Collectively, these findings highlight the influence of the healthy brand on consumers' subjective ratings of food. It is also inspiring for healthy food marketing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengchen Zhang
- Department of Psychology, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Jiayi Han
- Department of Psychology, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
- School of Humanities and Social Science, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen 518172, China
| | - Xiyu Guo
- Department of Psychology, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Jianping Huang
- Department of Psychology, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +086-18811372137
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McGuinness L, McCabe M, Kiernan C, McCrickerd K, Forde CG, Dolores O'Riordan E, Feeney EL. Impact of front-of-pack labels with nutrition and Grass-Fed claims on consumer perceptions and expected sensory and nutritional characteristics of Cheddar cheese – A comparative study of Irish and US consumers. Food Qual Prefer 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodqual.2022.104649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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3
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Franssen S, Jansen A, van den Hurk J, Adam T, Geyskens K, Roebroeck A, Roefs A. Effects of mindset on hormonal responding, neural representations, subjective experience and intake. Physiol Behav 2022; 249:113746. [PMID: 35182553 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2022.113746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Revised: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
A person can alternate between food-related mindsets, which in turn may depend on one's emotional state or situation. Being in a certain mindset can influence food-related thoughts, but interestingly it might also affect eating-related physiological responses. The current study investigates the influence of an induced 'loss of control' mindset as compared to an 'in control' mindset on hormonal, neural and behavioural responses to chocolate stimuli. Mindsets were induced by having female chocolate lovers view a short movie during two sessions in a within-subjects design. Neural responses to visual chocolate stimuli were measured using an ultra-high field (7T) scanner. Momentary ghrelin and glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) levels were determined on five moments and were simultaneously assessed with self-reports on perceptions of chocolate craving, hunger and feelings of control. Furthermore, chocolate intake was measured using a bogus chocolate taste test. It was hypothesized that the loss of control mindset would lead to hormonal, neural and behavioural responses that prepare for ongoing food intake, even after eating, while the control mindset would lead to responses reflecting satiety. Results show that neural activity in the mesocorticolimbic system was stronger for chocolate stimuli than for neutral stimuli and that ghrelin and GLP-1 levels responded to food intake, irrespective of mindset. Self-reported craving and actual chocolate intake were affected by mindset, in that cravings and intake were higher with a loss of control mindset than with a control mindset. Interestingly, these findings suggest that physiology on the one hand (hormonal and neural responses) and behavior and subjective experience (food intake and craving) on the other hand are not in sync, are not equally affected by mindset.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sieske Franssen
- Department of Clinical Psychological Science, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
| | - Anita Jansen
- Department of Clinical Psychological Science, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Tanja Adam
- Department of school of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism (NUTRIM), Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht UMC+, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Kelly Geyskens
- Department of Marketing and Supply Chain Management, School of Business and Economics, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Alard Roebroeck
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht
| | - Anne Roefs
- Department of Clinical Psychological Science, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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Hendriks-Hartensveld AEM, Rolls BJ, Cunningham PM, Nederkoorn C, Havermans RC. Does labelling a food as 'light' vs. 'filling' influence intake and sensory-specific satiation? Appetite 2022; 171:105916. [PMID: 35041874 DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2022.105916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 12/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Although several studies have investigated the influence of nutrition labelling on food intake, the effect of labels indicating a food's satiating power on food intake and sensory-specific satiation (SSS) is poorly understood. We investigated whether providing information about the satiating power of a meal affects intake and SSS. Participants (19 men and 18 women) consumed the same test meal of pasta salad ad libitum on two occasions, once described as 'light' and once as 'filling'. SSS was determined as the change in liking of the flavor and desire to eat the test meal before and after consumption, compared to seven uneaten foods. As hypothesized, intake increased by a mean (±SD) of 31 ± 59 g and 42 ± 81 kcal when the meal was labelled 'light' as opposed to 'filling' (p < 0.01). After eating, ratings for both liking and desire to eat decreased significantly more for the test meal than for the uneaten control foods (p < 0.001), demonstrating SSS. These relative changes in liking and desire to eat did not differ between the label conditions, despite differences in intake. Furthermore, accounting for amount consumed, the magnitude of SSS did not differ between the label conditions, which suggests that it did not explain the effect of the labels on intake. This study shows that labels indicating the satiating power of a meal can affect intake, warranting caution in the use of such labels on products intended to reduce intake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anouk E M Hendriks-Hartensveld
- Laboratory of Behavioural Gastronomy, Centre for Healthy Eating and Food Innovation, Maastricht University Campus Venlo, the Netherlands.
| | - Barbara J Rolls
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, USA
| | - Paige M Cunningham
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, USA
| | - Chantal Nederkoorn
- Department of Clinical Psychological Science, Faculty of Psychology & Neuroscience, Maastricht University, the Netherlands
| | - Remco C Havermans
- Laboratory of Behavioural Gastronomy, Centre for Healthy Eating and Food Innovation, Maastricht University Campus Venlo, the Netherlands; Chair Youth, Food, and Health, Maastricht University Campus Venlo, the Netherlands
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Marty L, Franzon C, Jones A, Robinson E. Socioeconomic position, energy labelling and portion size selection: An online study comparing calorie and physical activity calorie equivalent (PACE) labelling in UK adults. Appetite 2021; 166:105437. [PMID: 34126162 PMCID: PMC8385415 DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2021.105437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Revised: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Limited research has examined the impact of energy labelling on portion size selection. It is also unclear whether physical activity calorie equivalent (PACE) is more effective than standard kilocalorie (kcal) energy labelling in promoting healthier dietary behaviour and whether effectiveness varies based on socioeconomic position (SEP). In the present online study, 1667 UK adults of lower and higher SEP made virtual portion size selections for 18 common main meal foods under one of four conditions: kcal labelling only, PACE labelling only, kcal and PACE labelling, no labelling. Contrary to predictions, participants in the kcal labelling condition (+55 kcal, p < 0.001) chose larger portion sizes compared to the no labelling condition, whereas the PACE labelling (−17 kcal, p = 0.065) and no labelling condition did not significantly differ. The presence of PACE information on labels was associated with selection of significantly smaller portions when compared to labels that only included kcal information. Effects of labels on portion size selection were not moderated by participant SEP in primary analyses. The present study of virtual portion size selections suggests that kcal labelling resulted in larger portion size selections than no labelling, but this counter-intuitive effect was attenuated when kcal and PACE labelling were combined. Further research examining the impact of PACE labelling on real-world food selection in participants of lower and higher SEP is now warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucile Marty
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK; Centre des Sciences Du Goût et de l'Alimentation, Agrosup Dijon, CNRS, INRAE, Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté, Dijon, France.
| | - Caterina Franzon
- Centre des Sciences Du Goût et de l'Alimentation, Agrosup Dijon, CNRS, INRAE, Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté, Dijon, France
| | - Andrew Jones
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Eric Robinson
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.
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Huang Y, Yang X, Li X, Chen Q. Less Is Better: How Nutrition and Low-Carbon Labels Jointly Backfire on the Evaluation of Food Products. Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13041088. [PMID: 33810496 PMCID: PMC8066962 DOI: 10.3390/nu13041088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Revised: 03/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Labeling is one of the significant strategies to guide sustainable consumption behaviors. Nowadays, multi labels being displayed on the front-of-pack of food products is a common phenomenon. However, labels seldom operate solo, and competition or complement effects may be exerted on different labels. Therefore, the research objective is to explore the interaction effect when nutrition and low-carbon labels appear simultaneously; (2) Methods: Across four scenario-based experiments, including ice cream, yogurt, steak, and toast, this study manipulated the separate and joint occurrences of low-carbon and nutrition labels, the interaction effect of joint labels was tested, and the serial mediation model, which includes resource allocation and anticipated enjoyment of food consumption, was verified; (3) Results: Results show that people have a positive preference for the nutrition label and the carbon label, respectively, while these two labels working simultaneously attenuate the positive effect of the single label. When facing nutrition and carbon labels simultaneously, people would infer partial resources are allocated to healthy and environmental aspects so they have a lower anticipated enjoyment from food consumption. Thus, these two labels working simultaneously attenuate the positive effect of the single label, and consumers have a lower evaluation of food products. In addition, the joint backfire on the effect is only exerted on people with a higher level of zero-sum bias and only when joint labels have a high consistency of labels; (4) Conclusions: This study solved the contradictory problem of the joint effect of positive labels. The findings in this research contribute to promote sustainable food consumption. We suggest that similar labels should be avoided in the same front-of-pack of food, and manufacturers need to use ads to bring down consumers’ zero-sum bias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanhao Huang
- School of Business, Renmin University of China, Beijing 100089, China; (Y.H.); (X.L.)
| | - Xiaoke Yang
- College of Management and Economics, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
- Correspondence: (X.Y.); (Q.C.)
| | - Xianguo Li
- School of Business, Renmin University of China, Beijing 100089, China; (Y.H.); (X.L.)
| | - Qian Chen
- College of Management and Economics, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
- Correspondence: (X.Y.); (Q.C.)
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Schumacher A, Goukens C, Geyskens K. Surprise labels increase indulgent food portion size choice. Food Qual Prefer 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodqual.2020.103919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Zerbini C, Luceri B, Marchetti A, Di Dio C. Shaping consumption propensity through the emotional response evoked by nutritional labels: Evidence from an fMRI study. Food Res Int 2019; 125:108547. [PMID: 31554096 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2019.108547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2019] [Revised: 06/19/2019] [Accepted: 07/10/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
The study aims to investigate a) the ability of nutritional labels in pictorial and textual form to guide consumption choices applying the dual-coding theory; b) the effectiveness of a new type of pictorial label (i.e. the body label) that appeals to the self-congruence theory and to positive emotional response. The research hypotheses were tested trough a 2x4x2 fMRI experimental design with 2 levels of product version (regular vs light), 4 levels of label type (text vs traffic light vs star rating vs body) and 2 levels of group of people (normal weight vs overweight). The body light label generates more brain activation in areas involved in the reward circuit compared to the body regular one, and compared to all the other types of labels for both versions, only in the overweight subject group. Furthermore, the star rating label has the worst performance in orienting healthy food choices as it requires more cognitive effort. The results are of interest to policy maker's strategies and to out-of-store and in-store communication strategies with the aim to contract the excessive body-weight phenomenon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Zerbini
- Department of Economics and Management, University of Parma, Parma, Italy.
| | - Beatrice Luceri
- Department of Economics and Management, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Antonella Marchetti
- Department of Psychology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milan, Italy
| | - Cinzia Di Dio
- Department of Psychology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milan, Italy
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Brown HM, Rollo ME, de Vlieger NM, Collins CE, Bucher T. Influence of the nutrition and health information presented on food labels on portion size consumed: a systematic review. Nutr Rev 2019; 76:655-677. [PMID: 29767760 DOI: 10.1093/nutrit/nuy019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Context In recent decades, portion sizes have increased significantly. Although previous research indicates that food labels impact on product choice and healthiness perception, their impact on portion sizes consumed is less clear. Objective This systematic review examined whether food label information influenced portion size consumption. Data sources A search of 7 major electronic databases for studies published from 1980 to April 2016 was conducted. Data extraction Two reviewers independently screened 11 128 abstracts. Data were extracted from 32 articles (comprising 36 studies). Results Based on the test food used, the overall effects were found to be: no effect, a positive effect, or a negative effect. Labels displaying energy content (n = 15 studies, 17 effects) and fat content information (n = 13 studies, 14 effects) were evaluated most commonly, with exercise equivalent labels evaluated least (n = 2 studies, 2 effects). Conclusions Nutrition and health information presented on food labels has varying impacts on portion sizes consumed, from increased to decreased intake. Recommendations for future research include evaluating more recent food label types and achieving more consistent reporting standards.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah M Brown
- Faculty of Health and Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia.,Priority Research Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia
| | - Megan E Rollo
- Faculty of Health and Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia.,Priority Research Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia
| | - Nienke M de Vlieger
- Faculty of Health and Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia.,Priority Research Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia
| | - Clare E Collins
- Faculty of Health and Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia.,Priority Research Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia
| | - Tamara Bucher
- Faculty of Health and Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia.,Priority Research Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia
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Vasiljevic M, Couturier DL, Marteau TM. Impact of low alcohol verbal descriptors on perceived strength: An experimental study. Br J Health Psychol 2017; 23:38-67. [PMID: 28990270 PMCID: PMC5765494 DOI: 10.1111/bjhp.12273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2017] [Revised: 08/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Objectives Low alcohol labels are a set of labels that carry descriptors such as ‘low’ or ‘lighter’ to denote alcohol content in beverages. There is growing interest from policymakers and producers in lower strength alcohol products. However, there is a lack of evidence on how the general population perceives verbal descriptors of strength. The present research examines consumers’ perceptions of strength (% ABV) and appeal of alcohol products using low or high alcohol verbal descriptors. Design A within‐subjects experimental study in which participants rated the strength and appeal of 18 terms denoting low (nine terms), high (eight terms) and regular (one term) strengths for either (1) wine or (2) beer according to drinking preference. Methods Thousand six hundred adults (796 wine and 804 beer drinkers) sampled from a nationally representative UK panel. Results Low, Lower, Light, Lighter, and Reduced formed a cluster and were rated as denoting lower strength products than Regular, but higher strength than the cluster with intensifiers consisting of Extra Low, Super Low, Extra Light, and Super Light. Similar clustering in perceived strength was observed amongst the high verbal descriptors. Regular was the most appealing strength descriptor, with the low and high verbal descriptors using intensifiers rated least appealing. Conclusions The perceived strength and appeal of alcohol products diminished the more the verbal descriptors implied a deviation from Regular. The implications of these findings are discussed in terms of policy implications for lower strength alcohol labelling and associated public health outcomes. Statement of contribution What is already known about this subject? Current UK and EU legislation limits the number of low strength verbal descriptors and the associated alcohol by volume (ABV) to 1.2% ABV and lower. There is growing interest from policymakers and producers to extend the range of lower strength alcohol products above the current cap of 1.2% ABV set out in national legislation. There is a lack of evidence on how the general population perceives verbal descriptors of alcohol product strength (both low and high).
What does this study add? Verbal descriptors of lower strength wine and beer form two clusters and effectively communicate reduced alcohol content. Low, Lower, Light, Lighter, and Reduced were considered lower in strength than Regular (average % ABV). Descriptors using intensifiers (Extra Low, Super Low, Extra Light, and Super Light) were considered lowest in strength. Similar clustering in perceived strength was observed amongst the high verbal descriptors. The appeal of alcohol products reduced the more the verbal descriptors implied a deviation from Regular.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milica Vasiljevic
- Behaviour and Health Research Unit, Institute of Public Health, University of Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Theresa M Marteau
- Behaviour and Health Research Unit, Institute of Public Health, University of Cambridge, UK
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12
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Abstract
Extensive research into the impact of nutrition labelling across Europe has shown that many consumers can effectively use a nutrition label to rank a food for healthiness. The present paper considers observational and laboratory evidence which has examined the impact of nutrition labelling (on food packaging and at point of purchase) on dietary behaviour. In addition, the potential counterproductive effects of foods bearing 'healthy' nutrition labels are examined. The observational evidence provides a useful insight into the key characteristics of nutrition label use. Those most likely to engage with nutrition labels are more likely to have a diet related disease and/or be on a weight loss diet and have a good overall diet quality. Experimental evidence, while limited, suggests that serving size information may be overlooked by consumers. In fact, there may be a tendency among consumers to overeat foods that are perceived to be healthier. The findings from the present paper suggest that if nutrition labelling is to be considered a strategy to facilitate consumers in managing their energy intake, it must coincide with salient, consistent and simple serving size information on the front of food packages and at the point of purchase. There is a clear need for more experimental research using robust methodologies, to examine the impact of nutrition information on dietary intake. In the meantime, there should be greater attention given to portion size within national dietary guidance.
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Abstract
Aging is often accompanied by lower intakes of food energy and consequent negative effects on health. To some extent this is due to declines in physiological ability, including the sensory responsiveness to regulate food intake. Fortunately, environmental factors may still influence food intake in older adults. Factors such as social facilitation, modeling, and nutrition knowledge and skills have been shown to stimulate their food intake. While environmental factors such as the eating location, portion size, food presentation, and labeling are known to influence eating behavior, their effectiveness in stimulating food intake in older persons is not well delineated. It is suggested that improving the environmental stimuli that promote food intake is a viable strategy to overcome age-related declines in nutrient intakes. This strategy is so promising that further research is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Julia Depa
- a Institute of Nutritional Medicine , University of Hohenheim , Stuttgart , Germany
| | - John M de Castro
- b Department of Psychology , Sam Houston University , Huntsville , Texas , USA
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Talati Z, Pettigrew S, Kelly B, Ball K, Dixon H, Shilton T. Consumers' responses to front-of-pack labels that vary by interpretive content. Appetite 2016; 101:205-13. [PMID: 26970293 DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2016.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2015] [Revised: 03/04/2016] [Accepted: 03/04/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Previous research has shown that front-of-pack labels (FoPLs) can assist people to make healthier food choices if they are easy to understand and people are motivated to use them. There is some evidence that FoPLs providing an assessment of a food's health value (evaluative FoPLs) are easier to use than those providing only numerical information on nutrients (reductive FoPLs). Recently, a new evaluative FoPL (the Health Star Rating (HSR)) has been introduced to Australia and New Zealand. The HSR features a summary indicator, differentiating it from many other FoPLs being used around the world. The aim of this study was to understand how consumers of all ages use and make sense of reductive FoPLs and evaluative FoPLs including evaluative FoPLs with and without summary indicators. Ten focus groups were conducted in Perth, Western Australia with adults (n = 50) and children aged 10-17 years (n = 35) to explore reactions to one reductive FoPL (the Daily Intake Guide), an existing evaluative FoPL (multiple traffic lights), and a new evaluative FoPL (the HSR). Participants preferred the evaluative FoPLs over the reductive FoPL, with the strongest preference being for the FoPL with the summary indicator (HSR). Discussions revealed the cognitive strategies used when interpreting each FoPL (e.g., using cut offs, heuristics, and the process of elimination), which differed according to FoPL format. Most participants reported being motivated to use the evaluative FoPLs (particularly the HSR) to make choices about foods consumed as part of regular daily meals, but not for discretionary foods consumed as snacks or deserts. The findings provide further evidence of the potential utility of evaluative FoPLs in supporting healthy food choices and can assist policy makers in selecting between alternative FoPL formats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zenobia Talati
- School of Psychology and Speech Pathology, Curtin University, Kent st, Bentley WA 6102, Australia.
| | - Simone Pettigrew
- School of Psychology and Speech Pathology, Curtin University, Kent st, Bentley WA 6102, Australia.
| | - Bridget Kelly
- School of Health and Society, University of Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia.
| | - Kylie Ball
- Deakin University Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition Research, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Victoria, Australia.
| | | | - Trevor Shilton
- National Heart Foundation, Western Australia, Australia.
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16
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Abstract
A growing body of research suggests that increased portion sizes are contributing to the rising rates of obesity. However, studies that focus on environmental cues to promote portion control are relatively limited. Thus, a randomized study was conducted in a controlled laboratory setting to determine if the presence of a take-out container, given at the start of a meal, would prompt experimental group participants to decrease the portion of food consumed and reduce energy intake. Outcomes were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent t-tests, and analysis of covariance. Results showed that placing a take-out container with the test meal led to a significant difference in energy intake (p=0.000) when compared to the control group. Participants (n=25) who were given a take-out container with their test meal consumed an average of 90 kcal less than participants (n=25) who were not given the condition. These findings suggest that a to-go container may be utilized as an effective environmental cue for guiding consumers to control serving size when faced with over-sized portions at restaurants or other food outlets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate J Bates
- Department of Health and Human Development, Montana State University, 121 Marga Hosaeus, Bozeman, MT 59717, USA.
| | - Carmen Byker Shanks
- Food and Health Lab, Department of Health and Human Development, Montana State University, 960 Technology Boulevard, Room 215, Bozeman, MT 59718, USA
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Carbonneau E, Perron J, Drapeau V, Lamarche B, Doucet É, Pomerleau S, Provencher V. Impact of nutritional labelling on 10-d energy intake, appetite perceptions and attitudes towards food. Br J Nutr 2015; 114:2138-47. [DOI: 10.1017/s0007114515003918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
AbstractThe purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of nutritional labelling on energy intake, appetite perceptions and attitudes towards food. During a 10-d period, seventy normal-weight (BMI<25 kg/m2) and seventy-one obese women (BMI≥30 kg/m2) were given three meals per d under ad libitum conditions. Participants were randomly assigned to one of three experimental labelling groups in which the only difference was the label posted on lunch meal entrée: (1) low-fat label, (2) energy label (energy content of the entrée and average daily needs) and (3) no label (control). Average energy intake was calculated by weighing all foods before v. after daily consumption. Hunger and fullness perceptions were rated on visual analogue scales immediately before and after each meal. Satiety efficiency was assessed through the calculation of the satiety quotient (SQ). The appreciation and perceived healthiness of the lunch entrées were rated on eight-point Likert scales. There was no difference in energy intake, SQ and attitudes towards food between the three labelling groups. Fasting hunger perception was higher in the low-fat label group compared with the two others groups (P=0·0037). No interactions between labelling groups and BMI categories were observed. In conclusion, although labelling does not seem to influence energy intake, a low-fat label may increase women’s fasting hunger perceptions compared with an energy label or no label.
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Crockett RA, Jebb SA, Hankins M, Marteau TM. The impact of nutritional labels and socioeconomic status on energy intake. An experimental field study. Appetite 2014; 81:12-9. [PMID: 24879885 DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2014.05.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2013] [Revised: 05/12/2014] [Accepted: 05/21/2014] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
There is some evidence for paradoxical effects of nutritional labelling on energy intake particularly amongst restrained eaters and those with a higher body mass index (BMI) resulting in greater consumption of energy from foods with a positive health message (e.g. "low-fat") compared with the same foods, unlabelled. This study aimed to investigate, in a UK general population sample, the likelihood of paradoxical effects of nutritional labelling on energy intake. Participants (n = 287) attended a London cinema and were offered a large tub of salted or toffee popcorn. Participants were randomised to receive their selected flavour with one of three labels: a green low-fat label, a red high-fat label or no label. Participants watched two film clips while completing measures of demographic characteristics, emotional state and taste of the popcorn. Following the experiment, popcorn consumption was measured. There were no main effects of nutritional labelling on consumption. Contrary to predictions neither BMI nor weight concern moderated the effect of label on consumption. There was a three-way interaction between low-fat label, weight concern and socioeconomic status (SES) such that weight-concerned participants of higher SES who saw a low-fat label consumed more than weight unconcerned participants of similar SES (t = -2.7, P = .04). By contrast, weight-concerned participants of lower SES seeing either type of label, consumed less than those seeing no label (t = -2.04, P = .04). Nutritional labelling may have different effects in different socioeconomic groups. Further studies are required to understand fully the possible contribution of food labelling to health inequalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel A Crockett
- Section of Health Psychology, King's College London, Guy's Campus, London Bridge, SE1 9RT, UK.
| | - Susan A Jebb
- Elsie Widdowson Laboratory, MRC Human Nutrition Research, 120 Fulbourn Road, Cambridge, CB1 9NL,UK
| | - Matthew Hankins
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Southampton, Highfield, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, UK
| | - Theresa M Marteau
- Section of Health Psychology, King's College London, Guy's Campus, London Bridge, SE1 9RT, UK; Behaviour and Health Policy Research Unit, University of Cambridge, Institute of Public Health, Forvie Site, Robinson Way, Cambridge, CB2 0SR, UK
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiona Lalor
- Food for Health Ireland; University College Dublin; Ireland
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Dixon H, Scully M, Kelly B, Chapman K, Wakefield M. Can counter-advertising reduce pre-adolescent children's susceptibility to front-of-package promotions on unhealthy foods? Experimental research. Soc Sci Med 2014; 116:211-9. [PMID: 24612989 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2014.02.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2013] [Revised: 01/16/2014] [Accepted: 02/19/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to test whether counter-advertisements (i.e. messages contesting industry marketing) make pre-adolescent children less susceptible to the influence of food promotions. Since children have lower media literacy levels due to their immature cognitive abilities, specific research questions explored were: (1) whether the effectiveness of counter-ads is contingent on children having understood them; and (2) whether counter-ads may be detrimental when they are misinterpreted. A between-subjects experimental design using a web-based methodology was employed. 1351 grade 5-6 students (mean age 11 years) from schools located in metropolitan Melbourne, Australia participated. Participants were randomly shown an animated web banner advertisement (counter-ad challenging front-of-package promotion or control ad) and a pair of food packages from the same product category comprising an unhealthy product featuring a front-of-package promotion (nutrient content claim or sports celebrity endorsement) and a healthier control pack without a front-of-package promotion. Responses to the assigned advertisement, choice of product (healthy versus unhealthy) and ratings of the unhealthy product and front-of-package promotion on various nutritional and image-related attributes were recorded for each child. Sixty-six percent of children who viewed a counter-ad understood its main message. These children rated the front-of-package promotion as less believable and rated the unhealthy product bearing the front-of-package promotion as less healthy compared to the control group. However, children who misunderstood the counter-ad rated the unhealthy product bearing a front-of-package promotion as more healthy and rated the front-of-package promotion more favourably than those who correctly understood the counter-ad. Counter-advertising may have unintended consequences when misunderstood. If public health organizations or government pursue counter-advertising as a strategy to reduce the negative influence of unhealthy food marketing among children, caution is needed in designing counter-ads to guard against possible contradictory effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen Dixon
- Centre for Behavioural Research in Cancer, Cancer Council Victoria, 615 St Kilda Road, Melbourne, Victoria 3004, Australia.
| | - Maree Scully
- Centre for Behavioural Research in Cancer, Cancer Council Victoria, 615 St Kilda Road, Melbourne, Victoria 3004, Australia
| | - Bridget Kelly
- School of Health and Society, University of Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Kathy Chapman
- Cancer Council New South Wales, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Melanie Wakefield
- Centre for Behavioural Research in Cancer, Cancer Council Victoria, 615 St Kilda Road, Melbourne, Victoria 3004, Australia
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