How Mothers Cook in Chile: an Experimental Exercise to Use Food Labels
to Control Portion Sizes

Portion size of food and drink products is an important factor when providing nutrition information for food labeling purposes. The present study was conducted in order to understand more about consumer attitudes and understanding of portion size information on food and drink products. An experimental trial was performed on mothers and one of their relative. The participants were asked to prepare two meals (one meant for a child, one for an adult), with ingredients measured only with kitchen tools. Participants were stratified by portion size information in two groups, one with labels bearing the “100 gram” and one with “per portion”. Subsequently, every participant was interviewed on the basis of a questionnaire assessing nutritional and portioning knowledge. When measured the total Kcal of prepared meals after the simulation, an increase of calories was recorded in the group of subjects who prepared foods bearing the100g label, although not statistically significant(p =0.842). Portion size use seemed to be a more intuitive way to properly share nutritional information on food label, especially when considering common traditional recipes. Meals responsible appeared to be much more at ease with per portion labeling, when preparing both children's meals and adult ones.

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

10.20944/preprints201801.0212.v1 ◽

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 ‘benchmark’ 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.

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

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu11092189 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 11 (9) ◽

pp. 2189 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

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.

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Nutrition Labeling for Canned Goods: A Study of Consumer Response

Journal of Marketing ◽

10.1177/002224297303700207 ◽

1973 ◽

Vol 37 (2) ◽

pp. 32-37 ◽

Cited By ~ 20

Author(s):

Edward H. Asam ◽

Louis P. Bucklin

Keyword(s):

National Policy ◽

Consumer Attitudes ◽

Consumer Response ◽

Nutrition Information ◽

Nutrition Labeling ◽

Food Label

Inclusion of a nutrition information panel on each food label may become national policy. Should the nutrition labeling program be voluntary and the labels highly precise? This article explores these issues within the context of a study of consumer attitudes and preferences for basic canned goods.

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A review of evidence supporting current strategies, challenges, and opportunities to reduce portion sizes

Nutrition Reviews ◽

10.1093/nutrit/nuz047 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 78 (2) ◽

pp. 91-114 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Eva Almiron-Roig ◽

Ciaran G Forde ◽

Gareth J Hollands ◽

M Ángeles Vargas ◽

Jeffrey M Brunstrom

Keyword(s):

Size Effect ◽

Portion Size ◽

Food Level ◽

Food Labels ◽

Eating Rate ◽

Individual Level ◽

Portion Control ◽

Environment And Health ◽

Portion Sizes ◽

Challenges And Opportunities

Abstract Although there is considerable evidence for the portion-size effect and its potential impact on health, much of this has not been successfully applied to help consumers reduce portion sizes. The objective of this review is to provide an update on the strength of evidence supporting strategies with potential to reduce portion sizes across individuals and eating contexts. Three levels of action are considered: food-level strategies (targeting commercial snack and meal portion sizes, packaging, food labels, tableware, and food sensory properties), individual-level strategies (targeting eating rate and bite size, portion norms, plate-cleaning tendencies, and cognitive processes), and population approaches (targeting the physical, social, and economic environment and health policy). Food- and individual-level strategies are associated with small to moderate effects; however, in isolation, none seem to have sufficient impact on food intake to reverse the portion-size effect and its consequences. Wider changes to the portion-size environment will be necessary to support individual- and food-level strategies leading to portion control.

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Serving size guidance for consumers: is it effective?

Proceedings of The Nutrition Society ◽

10.1017/s0029665112000766 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 71 (4) ◽

pp. 610-621 ◽

Cited By ~ 39

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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Comparison of consumed portion sizes and serving sizes in UK energy dense snack foods

Proceedings of The Nutrition Society ◽

10.1017/s0029665120002694 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 79 (OCE2) ◽

Author(s):

Holly Rippin ◽

Jayne Hutchinson ◽

Jo Jewell ◽

Joao Breda ◽

Janet Cade

Keyword(s):

Portion Size ◽

Food Groups ◽

Major Health Problem ◽

Pack Size ◽

Snack Foods ◽

Size Information ◽

Main Food ◽

Portion Sizes ◽

Serving Sizes ◽

Serving Size

AbstractObesity is a major health problem facing the European population; over two thirds (67%) of UK adult men and 58% women are overweight or obese (1). The positive association between on-pack serving-size and food intake is known as the ‘portion size effect’. However, although direct links with obesity remain unproven, evidence suggests that limiting consumed portion size contributes to reduced energy intake and therefore reduced weight gain (2). UK portion size guidance is outdated and evidence suggests that on-pack serving-sizes have increased in some energy-dense foods (3). This study explores consumed portion sizes and on-pack serving-sizes in popular energy, fat and sugar-dense foods.The UK National Diet & Nutrition Survey 2008–2014 (n = 2377) dataset was used to identify commonly consumed energy, fat and sugar-dense foods. Data was analysed for adults aged 19–64y (excluding under-reporters) for consumed portion sizes, and a commercial product database of major UK retailer and manufacturer data provided serving-sizes. Commonly consumed energy, fat and sugar-dense food groups were split into 45 product-based subgroups. Means of consumed portion size and on-pack serving-size were calculated and compared and nutrition per 100 g and per serve was explored.Just 57% products had serving-size details, whereas 97% had pack-size information; Chocolate had the least products with serving-size information (35%). Lack of on-pack serving-size guidance is therefore a widespread issue, particularly in some energy-dense snack foods. Serving-size ranges were wide and varied across food groups. Consumed portion sizes were significantly higher than on-pack serving-size in all main food groups and most subgroups. The greatest difference between consumed portion size and on-pack serving-size was Crisps (44%), and within this, ‘popcorn’ (151%). There is a real need for policies aimed at setting product pack and serving-sizes that help individuals consume smaller portions. However, further consideration is needed on how consumers understand on-pack serving-size messaging, front-of-pack labelling and pack size.Serving-size was unavailable for many products. However, where available, consumed portion sizes were higher than on-pack serving-size in all main food groups and most subgroups. These results could inform updated portion size guidance of energy-dense foods. Further work is needed to clarify whether smaller serving and pack sizes would lead to lower total consumption and energy/nutrient intake.

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Exploring global consumer attitudes toward nutrition information on food labels

Nutrition Reviews ◽

10.1111/j.1753-4887.2009.00170.x ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 67 ◽

pp. S102-S106 ◽

Cited By ~ 48

Author(s):

Josephine M Wills ◽

David B Schmidt ◽

Francy Pillo-Blocka ◽

Georgina Cairns

Keyword(s):

Consumer Attitudes ◽

Nutrition Information ◽

Food Labels

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Age differences in the use of serving size information on food labels: numeracy or attention?

Public Health Nutrition ◽

10.1017/s1368980016003219 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 20 (5) ◽

pp. 786-796 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

Lisa M Soederberg Miller ◽

Elizabeth Applegate ◽

Laurel A Beckett ◽

Machelle D Wilson ◽

Tanja N Gibson

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Age Differences ◽

Past Research ◽

Nutrition Knowledge ◽

Food Labels ◽

Food Label ◽

Size Information ◽

Age Related ◽

Numeracy Skills ◽

Serving Size

AbstractObjectiveThe ability to use serving size information on food labels is important for managing age-related chronic conditions such as diabetes, obesity and cancer. Past research suggests that older adults are at risk for failing to accurately use this portion of the food label due to numeracy skills. However, the extent to which older adults pay attention to serving size information on packages is unclear. We compared the effects of numeracy and attention on age differences in accurate use of serving size information while individuals evaluated product healthfulness.DesignAccuracy and attention were assessed across two tasks in which participants compared nutrition labels of two products to determine which was more healthful if they were to consume the entire package. Participants’ eye movements were monitored as a measure of attention while they compared two products presented side-by-side on a computer screen. Numeracy as well as food label habits and nutrition knowledge were assessed using questionnaires.SettingSacramento area, California, USA, 2013–2014.SubjectsStratified sample of 358 adults, aged 20–78 years.ResultsAccuracy declined with age among those older adults who paid less attention to serving size information. Although numeracy, nutrition knowledge and self-reported food label use supported accuracy, these factors did not influence age differences in accuracy.ConclusionsThe data suggest that older adults are less accurate than younger adults in their use of serving size information. Age differences appear to be more related to lack of attention to serving size information than to numeracy skills.

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Use of food label information by urban consumers in India – a study among supermarket shoppers

Public Health Nutrition ◽

10.1017/s1368980013002231 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 17 (9) ◽

pp. 2104-2114 ◽

Cited By ~ 25

Author(s):

Sudershan R Vemula ◽

SubbaRao M Gavaravarapu ◽

Vishnu Vardhana Rao Mendu ◽

Pulkit Mathur ◽

Laxmaiah Avula

Keyword(s):

Age Groups ◽

Positive Association ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sampling Procedure ◽

Ease Of Use ◽

Nutrition Information ◽

Food Labels ◽

Food Label ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Packaged Foods

AbstractObjectiveTo study consumer knowledge and use of food labels.DesignA cross-sectional study employing both quantitative and qualitative methods. Intercept interviews were conducted with 1832 consumers at supermarket sites selected using a stratified random sampling procedure. This information was triangulated with twenty-one focus group discussions.SettingNew Delhi and Hyderabad, two metro-cities from north and south India.SubjectsAdolescent (10–19 years), adult (20–59 years) and elderly (≥60 years) consumers.ResultsWhile the national urban literacy rate is 84 %, about 99 % of the study participants were educated. About 45 % reported that they buy pre-packaged foods once weekly and about a fifth buy them every day. Taste, quality, convenience and ease of use are the main reasons for buying pre-packaged foods. Although 90 % of consumers across the age groups read food labels, the majority (81 %) looked only for the manufacturing date or expiry/best before date. Of those who read labels, only a third checked nutrition information and ingredients. Nutrient information on labels was not often read because most consumers either lacked nutrition knowledge or found the information too technical to understand. About 60 % read quality symbols. A positive association was found between education level and checking various aspects of food labels. Women and girls concerned about ‘fat’ and ‘sugar’ intake read the nutrition facts panel.ConclusionsThe intention of promoting healthy food choices through use of food labels is not being completely met. Since a majority of people found it difficult to comprehend nutrition information, there is a need to take up educational activities and/or introduce new forms of labelling.

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Analysis of the National Adult Nutrition Survey (Ireland) and the Food4Me Nutrition Survey Databases to Explore the Development of Food Labelling Portion Sizes for the European Union

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu11010006 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

pp. 6 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Michael Gibney ◽

Aifric O’Sullivan ◽

Albert Flynn ◽

Janette Walton ◽

Hannelore Daniel ◽

...

Keyword(s):

European Union ◽

Survey Data ◽

Portion Size ◽

Food Labelling ◽

Food Diary ◽

Nutrition Survey ◽

Portion Sizes ◽

Food Portion ◽

Food Portion Size ◽

The Eu

The present study set out to explore the option of developing food portion size for nutritional labelling purposes using two European Union (EU) dietary surveys. The surveys were selected as they differed in (a) methodologies (food diary versus food frequency questionnaire), (b) populations (Irish National Adult Nutrition Survey (NANS) versus a seven-country survey based on the pan EU study Food4Me), (c) food quantification (multiple options versus solely photographic album) and (d) duration (4 consecutive days versus recent month). Using data from these studies, portion size was determined for 15 test foods, where portion size was defined as the median intake of a target food when consumed. The median values of the portion sizes derived from both the NANS and Food4Me surveys were correlated (r = 0.823; p < 0.00) and the mean of the two survey data sets were compared to US values from the Recognized as Customarily Consumed (RACC) database. There was very strong agreement across all food categories between the averaged EU and the US portion size (r = 0.947; p < 0.00). It is concluded that notwithstanding the variety of approaches used for dietary survey data in the EU, the present data supports using a standardized approach to food portion size quantification for food labelling in the EU.

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