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 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 Warnings as a directive front-of-pack nutrition labelling scheme: comparison with the Guideline Daily Amount and traffic-light systems

2017 ◽  
Vol 20 (13) ◽  
pp. 2308-2317 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alejandra Arrúa ◽  
Leandro Machín ◽  
María Rosa Curutchet ◽  
Joseline Martínez ◽  
Lucía Antúnez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Saturated Fat ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Sodium Content ◽  
Traffic Light ◽  
Directed Attention ◽  
Nutrition Labels ◽  
High Sodium ◽  
Nutrition Labelling ◽  
Light System ◽  
Labelling Scheme

AbstractObjectiveWarnings have recently been proposed as a new type of directive front-of-pack (FOP) nutrition labelling scheme to flag products with high content of key nutrients. In the present work, this system was compared with the two most common FOP nutrition labelling schemes (Guideline Daily Amounts (GDA) and traffic-light system) in terms of goal-directed attention, influence on perceived healthfulness and ability to differentiate between products.Design/Setting/SubjectsGoal-directed attention to FOP labels was evaluated using a visual search task in which participants were presented with labels on a computer screen and were asked to indicate whether labels with high sodium content were present or absent. A survey with 387 participants was also carried out, in which the influence of FOP labels on perceived healthfulness and ability to identify the healthful alternative were evaluated.ResultsWarnings improved consumers’ ability to correctly identify a product with high content of a key nutrient within a set of labels compared with GDA and received the highest goal-directed attention. In addition, products with high energy, saturated fat, sugar and/or sodium content that featured warnings on the label were perceived as less healthful than those featuring the GDA or traffic-light system. Warnings and the traffic-light system performed equally well in the identification of the most healthful product.ConclusionsResults from the present work suggest that warnings have potential as directive FOP nutrition labels to improve consumer ability to identify unhealthful products and highlight advantages compared with the traffic-light system.

scholarly journals Nutrition labels: a survey of use, understanding and preferences among ethnically diverse shoppers in New Zealand

2009 ◽  
Vol 12 (9) ◽  
pp. 1359-1365 ◽  
Author(s):  
Delvina Gorton ◽  
Cliona Ni Mhurchu ◽  
Mei-hua Chen ◽  
Robyn Dixon
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Daily Intake ◽  
Ethnically Diverse ◽  
Food Labels ◽  
Traffic Light ◽  
Nutrition Label ◽  
Nutrition Labels ◽  
Supportive Environment ◽  
Income Disparities ◽  
Income Groups

AbstractObjectiveEffective nutrition labels are part of a supportive environment that encourages healthier food choices. The present study examined the use, understanding and preferences regarding nutrition labels among ethnically diverse shoppers in New Zealand.Design and settingA survey was carried out at twenty-five supermarkets in Auckland, New Zealand, between February and April 2007. Recruitment was stratified by ethnicity. Questions assessed nutrition label use, understanding of the mandatory Nutrition Information Panel (NIP), and preference for and understanding of four nutrition label formats: multiple traffic light (MTL), simple traffic light (STL), NIP and percentage of daily intake (%DI).SubjectsIn total 1525 shoppers completed the survey: 401 Maori, 347 Pacific, 372 Asian and 395 New Zealand European and Other ethnicities (ten did not state ethnicity).ResultsReported use of nutrition labels (always, regularly, sometimes) ranged from 66 % to 87 % by ethnicity. There was little difference in ability to obtain information from the NIP according to ethnicity or income. However, there were marked ethnic differences in ability to use the NIP to determine if a food was healthy, with lesser differences by income. Of the four label formats tested, STL and MTL labels were best understood across all ethnic and income groups, and MTL labels were most frequently preferred.ConclusionsThere are clear ethnic and income disparities in ability to use the current mandatory food labels in New Zealand (NIP) to determine if foods are healthy. Conversely, MTL and STL label formats demonstrated high levels of understanding and acceptance across ethnic and income groups.

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.

scholarly journals Behavioural effects of directive cues on front-of-package nutrition information: the combination matters!

2013 ◽  
Vol 17 (9) ◽  
pp. 2115-2121 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joerg Koenigstorfer ◽  
Grażyna Wąsowicz-Kiryło ◽  
Małgorzata Styśko-Kunkowska ◽  
Andrea Groeppel-Klein
Keyword(s):  
Eye Tracking ◽  
Food Packaging ◽  
Nutrition Information ◽  
Grocery Shopping ◽  
Snack Food ◽  
Traffic Light ◽  
Nutrition Labelling ◽  
Food Packages ◽  
Experimental Laboratory ◽  
Mobile Eye Tracking

AbstractObjectiveNutrition information aims to reduce information asymmetries between manufacturers and consumers. To date, however, it remains unclear how nutrition information that is shown on the front of the packaging should be designed in order to increase both visual attention and the tendency to make healthful food choices. The present study aimed to address this gap in research.DesignAn experimental laboratory study applying mobile eye-tracking technology manipulated the presence of two directive cues, i.e. health marks and traffic light colour-coding, as part of front-of-package nutrition information on actual food packages.SettingParticipants wore mobile eye-tracking glasses during a simulated shopping trip. After the ostensible study had finished, they chose one snack (from an assortment of fifteen snacks) as a thank you for participation. All products were labelled with nutrition information according to the experimental condition.SubjectsConsumers (n 160) who were mainly responsible for grocery shopping in their household participated in the study.ResultsThe results showed that, in the absence of traffic light colouring, health marks reduced attention to the snack food packaging. This effect did not occur when the colouring was present. The combination of the two directive cues (v. presenting traffic light colours only) made consumers choose more healthful snacks, according to the nutrient profile.ConclusionsPublic policy makers may recommend retailers and manufacturers implement consistent front-of-pack nutrition labelling that contains both health marks and traffic light colouring as directive cues. The combination of the cues may increase the likelihood of healthful decision making.

Impact of front-of-pack nutrition information and label design on children's choice of two snack foods: Comparison of warnings and the traffic-light system

Appetite ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 116 ◽  
pp. 139-146 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alejandra Arrúa ◽  
María Rosa Curutchet ◽  
Natalia Rey ◽  
Patricia Barreto ◽  
Nadya Golovchenko ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nutrition Information ◽  
Traffic Light ◽  
Snack Foods ◽  
Light System

scholarly journals Can nutritional information modify purchase of ultra-processed products? Results from a simulated online shopping experiment

2017 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 49-57 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leandro Machín ◽  
Alejandra Arrúa ◽  
Ana Giménez ◽  
María Rosa Curutchet ◽  
Joseline Martínez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Salt Content ◽  
Warning System ◽  
Grocery Store ◽  
Nutrition Information ◽  
Processed Foods ◽  
Traffic Light ◽  
Experimental Conditions ◽  
Food Purchase ◽  
Light System ◽  
The Mean

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of the present work was to evaluate the influence of two front-of-pack nutrition information schemes (traffic-light system and Chilean warning system) on consumer purchase of ultra-processed foods in a simulated online grocery store.DesignFollowing a between-subjects design, participants completed a simulated weekly food purchase in an online grocery store under one of three experimental conditions: (i) a control condition with no nutrition information, (ii) a traffic-light system and (iii) the Chilean warning system. Information about energy (calories), sugar, saturated fats and salt content was included in the nutrition information schemes.SettingParticipants were recruited from a consumer database and a Facebook advertisement.SubjectsPeople from Montevideo (Uruguay), aged 18–77 years (n437; 75 % female), participated in the study. All participants were in charge of food purchase in the household, at least occasionally.ResultsNo significant differences between experimental conditions were found in the mean share of ultra-processed foods purchased by participants, both in terms of number of products and expenditure, or in the mean energy, sugar, saturated fat and salt content of the purchased items. However, the Chilean warning system decreased intended purchase of sweets and desserts.ConclusionsResults from this online simulation provided little evidence to suggest that the traffic-light system or the Chilean warning system in isolation could be effective in reducing purchase of ultra-processed foods or improving the nutritional composition of the purchased products.

scholarly journals Improving Nutrition Information in the Eastern Mediterranean Region: Implementation of Front-of-Pack Nutrition Labelling

Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 330 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ayoub Al-Jawaldeh ◽  
Mike Rayner ◽  
Chantal Julia ◽  
Ibrahim Elmadfa ◽  
Asmus Hammerich ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mediterranean Region ◽  
Eastern Mediterranean ◽  
Eastern Mediterranean Region ◽  
Nutrition Information ◽  
Nutrition Labels ◽  
Nutrition Labelling ◽  
Stage Of Development ◽  
Food Packages ◽  
Current Implementation ◽  
Review Of Reviews

The provision of simplified nutrition information, in a prominent place on the front of food packages, is recommended as an important element of comprehensive strategies to tackle the burden of death and disease caused by unhealthy diets. There is growing evidence that front-of-pack nutrition labels are preferred by consumers, are more likely to be looked at or noticed than nutrition labelling on the back or side of packages and can help consumers to better identify healthier and less healthy products. This review summarizes current implementation of front-of-pack nutrition labelling policies in the countries of the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region. Implementation of front-of-pack nutrition labelling in the Eastern Mediterranean Region remains limited, but three types of scheme were identified as having been implemented or at an advanced stage of development by governments in six countries. Through a review of reviews of existing research and evidence from country implementation, the authors suggest some pointers for implementation for other countries in the Region deciding to implement front-of-pack nutrition labelling policies.

Does front-of-pack nutrition information improve consumer ability to make healthful choices? Performance of warnings and the traffic light system in a simulated shopping experiment

Appetite ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 121 ◽  
pp. 55-62 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leandro Machín ◽  
Jessica Aschemann-Witzel ◽  
María Rosa Curutchet ◽  
Ana Giménez ◽  
Gastón Ares
Keyword(s):  
Nutrition Information ◽  
Traffic Light ◽  
Light System

scholarly journals Testing the efficacy of and parents’ preferences for nutrition labels on children’s menus from a full-service chain restaurant: results of an online experiment

2020 ◽  
Vol 23 (10) ◽  
pp. 1820-1831
Author(s):  
Rachel J L Prowse ◽  
Kirsten M Lee ◽  
Emily Chen ◽  
Fei Zuo ◽  
David Hammond ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Nutrition Information ◽  
Information Control ◽  
Perceived Effectiveness ◽  
Nutrition Labels ◽  
Traffic Lights ◽  
Service Chain ◽  
Online Study ◽  
Nutrition Labelling ◽  
Children's Nutrition

AbstractObjective:Test the efficacy and perceived effectiveness of nutrition labels on children’s menus from a full-service chain restaurant in an online study.Design:Using a between-groups experiment, parents were randomised to view children’s menus displaying one of five children’s nutrition labelling conditions: (i) No Nutrition Information (control); (ii) Calories Only; (iii) Calories + Contextual Statement (CS); (iv) Calories, Sodium + CS; or (v) Calories and Sodium in Traffic Lights + CS. Parents hypothetically ordered up to one entrée, side, beverage and dessert for their child, then rated and ranked all five labelling conditions on the level of perceived effectiveness.Setting:Online survey.Participants:998 parents with a 3–12 year old child.Results:Parents exposed to menus displaying ‘Calories, Sodium + CS’ selected significantly fewer calories ‘overall’ (entrées + side + dessert + beverage) compared to parents exposed to the control condition (−53·1 calories, P < 0·05). Parents selected ‘entrees’ with significantly fewer calories and lower sodium when exposed to menus with ‘Calories + CS’ (−24·3 calories, P < 0·05); ‘Calories, Sodium + CS’ (−25·4 calories, −56·1 mg sodium, P < 0·05 for both); and ‘Calories and Sodium in Traffic Lights + CS’ (−29·1 calories, −58·6 mg sodium, P < 0·05 for both). Parents exposed to menus with ‘Calories, Sodium + CS’ and ‘Calories and Sodium in Traffic Lights + CS’ were more likely to notice and understand nutrition information compared to other nuntrition labelling conditions. Parents perceived the menu with ‘Calories and Sodium in Traffic Lights + CS’ as most effective (P < 0·05).Conclusions:Menus disclosing calories, sodium and a contextual statement increased the proportion of parents who noticed and understood nutrition information, and resulted in parents selecting lower calorie and sodium entrées for their children in the hypothetical purchase task.

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