scholarly journals Food and the consumer: could labelling be the answer?

2015 ◽  
Vol 74 (2) ◽  
pp. 158-163 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maeve A. Kerr ◽  
Mary T. McCann ◽  
M. Barbara E. Livingstone
Keyword(s):  
Food Packaging ◽  
Portion Size ◽  
Dietary Behaviour ◽  
Nutrition Label ◽  
Nutrition Labels ◽  
Size Information ◽  
Nutrition Labelling ◽  
Point Of Purchase ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Serving Size

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.

Serving sizes and energy values on the nutrition labels of regular and diet/light processed and ultra-processed dairy products sold in Brazil

2016 ◽  
Vol 118 (7) ◽  
pp. 1579-1593 ◽  
Author(s):  
Priscila Pereira Machado ◽  
Mariana Vieira dos Santos Kraemer ◽  
Nathalie Kliemann ◽  
Cláudia Flemming Colussi ◽  
Marcela Boro Veiros ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Energy Density ◽  
Dairy Products ◽  
Dairy Product ◽  
Accurate Information ◽  
Nutrition Labels ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Size Information ◽  
Nutrition Labelling ◽  
Serving Sizes ◽  
Serving Size

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to analyse and compare the serving sizes and energy values reported on the nutrition information of all processed and ultra-processed dairy products in their regular and diet/light versions available for sale in a large supermarket in Brazil. Design/methodology/approach – A check was done for associations between the compliance of reported serving sizes, energy values per serving and energy density for regular foods and foods advertised at “diet/light” (with reduced fat and calories). Findings – The data included information from 451 dairy product labels. Most of the products had serving sizes smaller than the reference set by Brazilian law. A high variability of serving sizes was found for similar products. “Diet/light” foods tend to report serving sizes that are even smaller and more inadequate. Moreover, the energy density of these products was similar to that of the regular foods. Smaller serving sizes may be being presented on “diet/light” foods in order to report lower energy values and on similar foods to show non-existent differences in energy values. These results point to the importance of standardizing serving size information on food labels so that consumers have access to clear and accurate information about food products. Originality/value – This was the first census-type study to analyse the serving size information of dairy products at a supermarket of one of the ten largest supermarket chains in Brazil. This work extends the scope of current food labelling and contributes to the discussion about how nutrition labelling has been presented to Brazilian consumers and its possible consequences for food choices and the guarantee of consumer rights.

scholarly journals ‘How many calories did I just eat?’ An experimental study examining the effect of changes to serving size information on nutrition labels

2016 ◽  
Vol 19 (16) ◽  
pp. 2959-2964 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amanda C Jones ◽  
Lana Vanderlee ◽  
Christine M White ◽  
Erin P Hobin ◽  
Isabelle Bordes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Energy Content ◽  
Nutrition Label ◽  
Energy Estimation ◽  
Nutrition Labels ◽  
Size Information ◽  
Youth And Young Adults ◽  
Correct Energy ◽  
Reference Amount ◽  
Dual Column ◽  
Serving Size

AbstractObjectiveTo test modifications to nutrition label serving size information on understanding of energy (calorie) content among youth and young adults.DesignParticipants completed two online experiments. First, participants were randomly assigned to view a beverage nutrition label with a reference amount of per serving (250 ml), per container (473 ml) or a dual-column format with both reference amounts. Participants were then randomized to view a cracker nutrition label which specified a single serving in small font, a single serving in large font, or the number of servings per bag with single serving information below. In both experiments, participants estimated energy content. Logistic regression analysis modelled correct energy estimation. Finally, participants reported their preference for serving size display format.SettingCanada.SubjectsCanadian youth and young adults (n2008; aged 16–24 years).ResultsIn experiment 1, participants randomized to view the nutrition label with per container or dual column were more likely to correctly identify energy content than those using per serving information (P<0·01). For experiment 2, the serving size display format had no association with correct energy estimation. The majority of participants (61·9 %) preferred the serving size format that included servings per package.ConclusionsLabelling foods with nutrition information using a serving size reference amount for the entire container increased understanding of energy content. Consumers prefer nutrition labels that include more prominently featured serving size information. Additional modifications that further improve consumers’ accuracy should be examined. These results have direct implications for nutrition labelling policy.

Consumer understanding and use of nutrition labelling: a systematic review

2005 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 21-28 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gill Cowburn ◽  
Lynn Stockley
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Nutrition Labels ◽  
Nutrition Labelling ◽  
Food Purchase ◽  
Product Comparison ◽  
Point Of Purchase ◽  
Actual Use ◽  
Types Of Information ◽  
Unpublished Research ◽  
Selection Of

AbstractObjective:To explore published and unpublished research into consumer understanding and use of nutrition labelling which is culturally applicable in Europe.Design:A systematic review undertaken between July 2002 and February 2003.Results:One hundred and three papers were identified that reported on consumer understanding or use of nutrition labelling, most originating from North America or northern Europe. Only a few studies (9%) were judged to be of high or medium–high quality. We found that reported use of nutrition labels is high but more objective measures suggest that actual use of nutrition labelling during food purchase may be much lower. Whether or not consumers can understand and use nutrition labelling depends on the purpose of the task. Available evidence suggests that consumers who do look at nutrition labels can understand some of the terms used but are confused by other types of information. Most appear able to retrieve simple information and make simple calculations and comparisons between products using numerical information, but their ability to interpret the nutrition label accurately reduces as the complexity of the task increases. The addition of interpretational aids like verbal descriptors and recommended reference values helps in product comparison and in putting products into a total diet context.Conclusions:Improvements in nutrition labelling could make a small but important contribution towards making the existing point-of-purchase environment more conducive to the selection of healthy choices. In particular, interpretational aids can help consumers assess the nutrient contribution of specific foods to the overall diet.

scholarly journals An objective examination of consumer perception of nutrition information based on healthiness ratings and eye movements

2007 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 238-244 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gary Jones ◽  
Miles Richardson
Keyword(s):  
Eye Movements ◽  
Consumer Perception ◽  
Nutrition Information ◽  
Objective Measures ◽  
Traffic Light ◽  
Nutrition Label ◽  
Nutrition Labels ◽  
Nutrition Labelling ◽  
Light System ◽  
Food Standards

AbstractObjectivePrevious research on nutrition labelling has mainly used subjective measures. This study examines the effectiveness of two types of nutrition label using two objective measures: eye movements and healthiness ratings.DesignEye movements were recorded while participants made healthiness ratings for two types of nutrition label: standard and standard plus the Food Standards Agency's ‘traffic light’ concept.SettingUniversity of Derby, UK.SubjectsA total of 92 participants (mean age 31.5 years) were paid for their participation. None of the participants worked in the areas of food or nutrition.ResultsFor the standard nutrition label, participant eye movements lacked focus and their healthiness ratings lacked accuracy. The traffic light system helped to guide the attention of the consumer to the important nutrients and improved the accuracy of the healthiness ratings of nutrition labels.ConclusionsConsumers have a lack of knowledge regarding how to interpret nutrition information for standard labels. The traffic light concept helps to ameliorate this problem by indicating important nutrients to which to pay attention.

scholarly journals Consumer Understanding, Perception and Interpretation of Serving Size Information on Food Labels: A Scoping Review

Nutrients ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (9) ◽  
pp. 2189 ◽  
Author(s):  
Klazine Van der Horst ◽  
Tamara Bucher ◽  
Kerith Duncanson ◽  
Beatrice Murawski ◽  
David Labbe
Keyword(s):  
Scoping Review ◽  
Overweight And Obesity ◽  
Dietary Guidelines ◽  
Portion Size ◽  
Food Literacy ◽  
Size Information ◽  
Size Selection ◽  
Portion Sizes ◽  
Serving Sizes ◽  
Serving Size

The increase in packaged food and beverage portion sizes has been identified as a potential factor implicated in the rise of the prevalence of obesity. In this context, the objective of this systematic scoping review was to investigate how healthy adults perceive and interpret serving size information on food packages and how this influences product perception and consumption. Such knowledge is needed to improve food labelling understanding and guide consumers toward healthier portion size choices. A search of seven databases (2010 to April 2019) provided the records for title and abstract screening, with relevant articles assessed for eligibility in the full-text. Fourteen articles met the inclusion criteria, with relevant data extracted by one reviewer and checked for consistency by a second reviewer. Twelve studies were conducted in North America, where the government regulates serving size information. Several studies reported a poor understanding of serving size labelling. Indeed, consumers interpreted the labelled serving size as a recommended serving for dietary guidelines for healthy eating rather than a typical consumption unit, which is set by the manufacturer or regulated in some countries such as in the U.S. and Canada. Not all studies assessed consumption; however, larger labelled serving sizes resulted in larger self-selected portion sizes in three studies. However, another study performed on confectionary reported the opposite effect, with larger labelled serving sizes leading to reduced consumption. The limited number of included studies showed that labelled serving size affects portion size selection and consumption, and that any labelled serving size format changes may result in increased portion size selection, energy intake and thus contribute to the rise of the prevalence of overweight and obesity. Research to test cross-continentally labelled serving size format changes within experimental and natural settings (e.g., at home) are needed. In addition, tailored, comprehensive and serving-size-specific food literacy initiatives need to be evaluated to provide recommendations for effective serving size labelling. This is required to ensure the correct understanding of nutritional content, as well as informing food choices and consumption, for both core foods and discretionary foods.

scholarly journals Online food nutrition labelling in the UK: how consistent are supermarkets in their presentation of nutrition labels online?

2015 ◽  
Vol 19 (12) ◽  
pp. 2175-2184 ◽  
Author(s):  
Catherine Stones
Keyword(s):  
Quantitative Study ◽  
Nutrition Information ◽  
Nutrition Label ◽  
Nutrition Labels ◽  
Nutrition Labelling ◽  
Search Result ◽  
Food Retailers ◽  
Food Nutrition ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Vertical Page

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate consistency levels of nutrition labelling on supermarket websites.DesignThis is a comparative, quantitative study examining page position, content and design of nutrition labels on own-brand and branded products. Online and in-store nutrition labels were examined, categorised and analysed to discern variety of label designs used and consistency between online and in-store labelling.SettingFive large online food retailers in the UK.SubjectsNutrition labels displayed on 100 webpages were examined for twenty branded and own-brand products. Equivalent labels on in-store packaged products were also examined.ResultsEight different combinations of nutrition label designs were found. The online supermarket sites were found to use from three to six of these label combinations across the sample. The consistency level between online and in-store package labels ranged from 25 % to 90 %. In many cases the nutrition label required scrolling to view and in all cases items could be purchased without the label being visible from the search result listings.ConclusionsThe main recommendation of the paper is that online nutrition labelling needs to be much more consistently presented than is currently practised, both within each website and between online and in-store experiences. Particular attention should be made to polychrome colour and the inclusion of summary graphics. Designers should also ensure visibility of the label and raise its vertical page position. The paper also proposes additional expansion of the use of nutrition information online, using nutrition values as database fields in search criteria and checkout aggregation reporting.

scholarly journals Consumer Understanding, Perception and Interpretation of Serving Size Information on Food Labels: A Scoping Review

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tamara Bucher ◽  
Kerith Duncanson ◽  
Beatrice Murawski ◽  
Klazine Van der Horst ◽  
David Labbe
Keyword(s):  
Scoping Review ◽  
Consumer Attitudes ◽  
Portion Size ◽  
Food Literacy ◽  
Size Information ◽  
Food Packages ◽  
Portion Sizes ◽  
Abstract Screening ◽  
Serving Sizes ◽  
Serving Size

This scoping review investigated how consumers perceive and interpret serving size information on food packages. A search of seven databases (2010 to September 2017) was followed by title and abstract screening, with relevant articles assessed for eligibility in full-text. Fourteen studies met inclusion criteria, with relevant data extracted by one reviewer and checked for consistency by a second reviewer. Five studies reported poor understanding of nutrition facts labelling and portion size, with information to &lsquo;benchmark&rsquo; serving size against reported as helpful in two studies. Consumer attitudes towards serving size labelling were measured in six studies and identified that serving size information was interpreted as indicative of nutrient intake regardless of portion size recommendations. Increased labelled serving sizes resulted in increased portion sizes in three studies, with three studies reporting the opposite or neutral effect for discretionary food portion sizes. The influence of labelled serving size on consumer attitudes and consumption is complex and sometimes counterintuitive. As labelled serving size can impact on consumption, any changes may result in unintended public health consequences. The effects of labelled serving size format changes should be tested carefully within experimental and ecological contexts and accompanied by tailored, comprehensive and serving size-specific food literacy initiatives.

scholarly journals Correlates of nutrition label use among college students and young adults: a review

2015 ◽  
Vol 19 (12) ◽  
pp. 2135-2148 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mary J Christoph ◽  
Ruopeng An ◽  
Brenna Ellison
Keyword(s):  
College Students ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
Food Selection ◽  
Weighted Average ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Nutrition Label ◽  
Nutrition Labels ◽  
Awareness Campaigns ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Label Use

AbstractObjectiveNutrition labels are an essential source for consumers to obtain nutrition-related information on food products and serve as a population-level intervention with unparalleled reach. The present study systematically reviewed existing evidence on the correlates of nutrition label use among college students and young adults.DesignKeyword and reference searches were conducted in PubMed, EBSCO, PsycInfo, Cochrane Library and Web of Science. Inclusion criteria included: study design (randomized controlled trial, cohort study, pre–post study or cross-sectional study); population (college students and young adults 18–30 years old); main outcome (nutrition label use); article type (peer-reviewed publication); and language (English).SettingCollege/university.SubjectsCollege students and young adults.ResultsSixteen studies based on data from college surveys in four countries (USA, UK, Canada, South Korea) were identified from keyword and reference search. Reported prevalence of nutrition label use varied substantially across studies; a weighted average calculation showed 36·5 % of college students and young adults reported using labels always or often. Females were more likely to use nutrition labels than males. Nutrition label use was found to be associated with attitudes towards healthy diet, beliefs on the importance of nutrition labels in guiding food selection, self-efficacy, and nutrition knowledge and education.ConclusionsThe impact of nutrition labelling on food purchase and intake could differ by population subgroups. Nutrition awareness campaigns and education programmes may be important mechanisms for promoting nutrition label use among college students and young adults. Future research is warranted to assess the role of label use on improved dietary decisions.

scholarly journals Serving size guidance for consumers: is it effective?

2012 ◽  
Vol 71 (4) ◽  
pp. 610-621 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. P. Faulkner ◽  
L. K. Pourshahidi ◽  
J. M. W. Wallace ◽  
M. A. Kerr ◽  
T. A. McCrorie ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Exposure ◽  
Consumer Behaviour ◽  
Portion Size ◽  
Direct Impact ◽  
Food Labels ◽  
Potential Barriers ◽  
Portion Sizes ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Conflicting Messages ◽  
Serving Size

Larger portion sizes (PS) may be inciting over-eating and contributing to obesity rates. Currently, there is a paucity of data on the effectiveness of serving size (SS) guidance. The aims of the present review are to evaluate SS guidance; the understanding, usability and acceptability of such guidance, its impact on consumers and potential barriers to its uptake. A sample of worldwide SS guidance schemes (n 87) were identified using targeted and untargeted searches, overall these were found to communicate various inconsistent and often conflicting messages about PS selection. The available data suggest that consumers have difficulty in understanding terms such as ‘portion size’ and ‘serving size’, as these tend to be used interchangeably. In addition, discrepancies between recommended SS and those present on food labels add to the confusion. Consumers generally understand and visualise SS best when expressed in terms of household measures rather than actual weights. Only a limited number of studies have examined the direct impact of SS guidance on consumer behaviour with equivocal results. Although consumers recognise that guidance on selecting SS would be helpful, they are often unwilling to act on such guidance. The challenge of achieving consumer adherence to SS guidance is formidable due to several barriers including chronic exposure to larger PS, distorted consumption norms and perceptions, the habit of ‘cleaning one's plate’ and language barriers for ethnic minorities. In conclusion, the impact of SS guidance on consumers merits further investigation to ensure that future guidance resonates with consumers by being more understandable, usable and acceptable.

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