Nutritional information
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Nutritional Information: Consumer Use, Understanding, and Impact
Importance of Nutrition Labels on Pre-Packaged Foods
Nutrition labels on pre-packaged foods are a critical source of nutritional information for consumers. They are widely regarded as credible and are frequently used to guide food choices, contributing to healthier diets1. However, the effectiveness of these labels varies significantly among different demographic groups, with lower usage observed among children, adolescents, and older adults who are obese1.
Consumer Response to Nutrition Information in Europe
Research conducted in the EU-15 countries reveals that consumers show a strong interest in nutrition information on food labels, although this interest fluctuates depending on the situation and product type2. Simplified front-of-pack information is generally well-received, but preferences for specific formats vary. While most consumers believe they understand common signposting formats, there is limited insight into how this information is used in real-world shopping scenarios and its impact on dietary patterns2.
Impact of Nutrition Claims on Food Choices and Energy Intake
Nutrition claims related to fat, sugar, and energy content on food packaging can significantly influence consumer perceptions and behaviors. These claims often make products appear healthier and less tasty, which can lead to larger perceived portion sizes and underestimation of energy content3. Additionally, nutrition claims can affect purchase intentions and actual food purchases, with variations depending on the type of claim and the consumer's health consciousness3.
Use and Understanding of Nutrition Information in Supermarkets
In supermarkets, lists of nutrition information, such as vitamins and minerals, can increase consumer knowledge but do not necessarily influence purchasing decisions4. However, highlighting negative components like added sugar can shift market share towards healthier options, such as low-sugar breakfast cereals4.
Understanding and Use of Nutrition Labels in Six European Countries
A study across six European countries found that 16.8% of shoppers looked for nutrition information on labels, with calories, fat, and sugar being the most sought-after details5. Understanding of guideline daily amount (GDA) labels was high in the UK, Sweden, and Germany but more limited in other countries. The study suggests that while understanding is widespread, actual use is influenced by motivation and interest in healthy eating5.
Effectiveness of Mandatory Nutrition Labels in the United States
The implementation of the Nutrition Labeling and Education Act (NLEA) in the United States aimed to help consumers choose healthier diets by providing standardized nutrition information. Studies indicate that these labels have increased fiber and iron intakes among users, although the overall impact on all listed nutrients is less clear when accounting for self-selection biases6.
Consumer Comprehension and Willingness to Pay for Nutrition Information
Despite a general willingness to pay for nutrition information, many consumers do not acquire or comprehend this information when making purchase decisions7. This gap highlights the need for more effective communication strategies to enhance consumer understanding and use of nutrition labels.
Influence of Nutrition Information on Online Food Sales
In the context of online food shopping, nutrition information significantly boosts sales, particularly for healthy foods. Seller reputation can further amplify this effect. Eye-tracking experiments show that consumers who spend more time looking at nutrition information are more likely to choose foods with nutrition-fact labels8.
Relationship Between Nutrition Knowledge and Dietary Intake
Higher nutrition knowledge is generally associated with better dietary intake, particularly increased consumption of fruits and vegetables. However, the strength of this association is often weak, and more research is needed to clarify the relationship and inform public health policies10.
Conclusion
Nutrition labels and claims play a crucial role in guiding consumer food choices and improving dietary habits. However, their effectiveness is influenced by various factors, including consumer demographics, motivation, and the context in which the information is presented. To maximize the potential of nutrition labels, ongoing efforts are needed to enhance their accessibility, comprehensibility, and real-world applicability.
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Most relevant research papers on this topic
Nutrition labels on pre-packaged foods: a systematic review
Nutrition labels on pre-packaged foods are a cost-effective, credible source of nutrition information, but their use varies across subgroups and needs further exploration for accessible and understandable content.
Systematic Review
Rigorous Journal
Highly CitedA review of European research on consumer response to nutrition information on food labels
Consumers show widespread interest in nutrition information on food packages, but prefer different formats and formats, and need more research on their real-world use and impact on dietary patterns.
Systematic ReviewHighly CitedSystematic review of the impact of nutrition claims related to fat, sugar and energy content on food choices and energy intake
Nutrition claims on food packaging can influence consumers' knowledge, perception of healthiness, and tastiness, but may also lead to increased consumption and energy intake, potentially counteracting efforts to prevent overweight and obesity.
Systematic ReviewRigorous JournalHighly CitedNutrition Information in the Supermarket
Effort-reducing displays in supermarkets effectively increase information use, particularly for negatively valued nutrients like added sugar, leading to increased market share for low-sugar breakfast cereals.
Non-RCTHighly CitedUse and understanding of nutrition information on food labels in six European countries
Understanding of nutrition information on food labels is more widespread than use, with national differences in understanding and motivation, influenced by factors such as interest in healthy eating and nutrition knowledge.
Observational StudyHighly CitedDo nutrition labels improve dietary outcomes?
Nutrition labels on packaged foods may increase fiber and iron intakes, but their impact on other nutrients remains unclear due to self-selection.
Observational StudyHighly CitedConsumer Use and Comprehension of Nutrition Information
Most consumers desire and pay for nutrition information, but often don't acquire it or comprehend it when making purchase decisions.
Highly CitedHow nutrition information influences online food sales
Nutrition information significantly increases online food sales, with seller reputation strengthening the impact of such information, and leads to more sales of healthy food compared to unhealthy food.
Non-RCTNutrition knowledge, and use and understanding of nutrition information on food labels among consumers in the UK
UK consumers have high understanding of nutrition information on food labels, with usage mainly related to interest in healthy eating, while understanding is mainly related to nutrition knowledge and demographic factors.
Rigorous JournalHighly CitedRelationship between nutrition knowledge and dietary intake.
Higher nutrition knowledge is associated with weak positive associations in dietary intake, particularly fruit and vegetable intake, but more high-quality research is needed to clarify this relationship.
Systematic Review
Very Rigorous JournalHighly Cited