Serving sizes of food groups
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Understanding Serving Sizes of Food Groups: Insights from Recent Research
Importance of Accurate Food Portion Estimation
Accurately estimating food portion sizes is crucial for maintaining a balanced diet and adhering to dietary guidelines. However, this task can be challenging for many individuals. Research has shown that visual aids and technology can significantly improve the accuracy of portion size estimation. For instance, the ServAR tool, which uses augmented reality to overlay virtual food servings on a plate, has been found to enhance the accuracy and consistency of estimating standard serve sizes compared to traditional methods1. This tool demonstrates potential as a practical aid in guiding food servings, although further refinements are needed to improve user experience.
Variations in Declared Serving Sizes
Inconsistencies in declared serving sizes on food packaging can lead to confusion and misjudgment of appropriate portion sizes. A study examining packaged foods in Australia revealed substantial variations in declared serving sizes within similar product categories, with coefficients of variation ranging from 0% to 59%2. Only 24% of products displayed serving sizes close to the standard serves recommended by the Australian Dietary Guidelines. This inconsistency underscores the need for standardizing serving sizes to improve the usability of nutritional information on food packaging.
Impact of Tableware Size on Food Consumption
The size of tableware, such as plates and bowls, can influence the amount of food consumed. Contrary to popular belief, a pre-registered experimental study found no significant difference in food consumption between participants using larger versus smaller plates3. However, another study indicated that serving from larger bowls led to a 77% increase in the amount of food served and higher levels of satiation7. These findings highlight the complex role that external cues, such as tableware size, play in food consumption and the need for further research in real-world settings.
Serving Size Labels and Consumption
Serving size labels on food packages can influence consumption patterns. A systematic review found that smaller serving sizes or contextual information about the entire package can lead to reduced consumption of discretionary foods8. However, the impact of serving size labels on non-discretionary foods remains unclear, indicating a need for more targeted studies in this area.
Comparison of Consumed and On-Pack Serving Sizes
There is often a discrepancy between the serving sizes indicated on food packaging and the actual portion sizes consumed by individuals. Studies in the UK have shown that consumed portion sizes are generally higher than the on-pack serving sizes for energy-dense foods5 9. This discrepancy suggests that current serving size guidelines may not accurately reflect typical consumption patterns, necessitating updated portion size guidance.
Methodologies for Assessing Food Intakes
To align food intake data with dietary recommendations, researchers have developed methods to disaggregate food mixtures into their ingredients and categorize them into food groups based on the US Department of Agriculture's food guide pyramid4. This approach allows for a more accurate comparison of reported food intakes with dietary guidelines, revealing that a significant proportion of adults fail to meet the recommended servings for various food groups.
Conclusion
Accurate estimation and standardization of serving sizes are essential for effective dietary management and adherence to nutritional guidelines. Technological aids like augmented reality tools, standardized serving size labels, and updated portion size guidelines can significantly improve the accuracy of food portion estimation and consumption patterns. Further research is needed to explore these tools' effectiveness across diverse food groups and real-world settings.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
ServAR: An augmented reality tool to guide the serving of food
ServAR, an augmented reality tool, improved accuracy and consistency in estimating standard food serving sizes compared to information only and control conditions.
RCT
Rigorous JournalLarge Variations in Declared Serving Sizes of Packaged Foods in Australia: A Need for Serving Size Standardisation?
There is substantial variation in declared serving sizes of packaged foods in Australia, and these sizes are not aligned with the Australian Dietary Guidelines or typical portion sizes consumed by adults.
Observational Study
Very Rigorous JournalPlate size and food consumption: a pre-registered experimental study in a general population sample
Using larger plates for self-served food may result in slightly more calories consumed (3%) compared to using smaller plates, but the clinically significant effect remains unclear.
RCTVery Rigorous JournalMethod for assessing food intakes in terms of servings based on food guidance.
This study developed a method to compare food intake data with the US Department of Agriculture's food guide pyramid, revealing that large proportions of adults (43-72%) fail to meet dietary recommendations.
Observational Study
Highly CitedComparison of consumed portion sizes and on-pack serving sizes of UK energy dense foods
Consumed portion sizes are significantly higher than on-pack serving sizes in most energy-dense foods, suggesting a need for updated portion size guidance.
Rigorous JournalDietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH)
Food Group Serving Sizes Examples Grains 1 slice bread 1 oz (1⁄2 1 1⁄4 c) dry cereal 1⁄2 cup cooked rice, pasta, cereal Whole-wheat bread, pita bread, bagel, cereals, grits, oatmeal, polenta, brown rice, wholewheat pasta, unsalted popcorn, pretzels Vegetables 1 c raw leafy vegetables 1⁄2 cup raw, cut-up vegetables 1⁄2 cup cooked vegetables 1⁄2 cup low-sodium vegetable juice Tomatoes, potatoes, carrots, peas, squash, broccoli, turnip greens, kale, spinach, artichokes, green beans, yams
Highly CitedServing bowl selection biases the amount of food served.
Larger serving bowls lead to 77% more pasta served and greater satiation compared to medium-sized bowls, highlighting the importance of considering bowl size in nutrition education.
RCTThe effect of the labelled serving size on consumption: A systematic review
Serving size labelling on food packages can lead to less discretionary food consumption, but the impact on non-discretionary food consumption remains unclear.
Systematic ReviewRigorous JournalComparison of consumed portion sizes and serving sizes in UK energy dense snack foods
Consumed portion sizes in energy-dense snack foods are significantly higher than on-pack serving-sizes, highlighting the need for updated portion size guidance and improved packaging.
Observational StudyThe Effect of Food Unit Sizes and Meal Serving Occasions on Eating Behaviour Characteristics: Within Person Randomised Crossover Studies on Healthy Women
Large food unit sizes increase meal duration and chews, while serving occasions do not significantly change eating behavior in healthy women.
RCTVery Rigorous Journal