Food labels change snacking behavior

A recent study by the University of Antwerp investigates the practical impact of nutritional labeling on adult snack choices, particularly in a professional setting. Snacking contributes significantly to excessive calorie intake, a key factor in the global battle against obesity-related comorbidities.

With 2.8 million lives claimed annually by diseases linked to overweight and obesity, addressing unhealthy dietary patterns becomes imperative. The study aims to assess the real-world effectiveness of nutritional labels, navigating challenges in translating theoretical insights from laboratory settings to daily life.

Calorie Labels and the Nutri-Score Label

Distinguishing itself from previous studies, this research compares the efficacy of calorie labels and the Nutri-Score label in influencing consumer choices within authentic settings. While calorie labels have been thoroughly studied in isolation, this research offers a unique opportunity for direct comparisons.

A meticulously controlled between-subject design assesses the influence of nutritional labeling on snack choices among approximately 600 adults in a professional setting. The study encompasses three conditions: no labeling (control), calorie labeling, and Nutri-Score labeling. During the experiment, 739 snacks were selected, including Celebrations candy bars, Jules Destrooper cookies, and nut trail mix. The distribution across treatments—no label, calorie label, and Nutri-Score label—revealed intriguing insights into participants' snack preferences, offering potential intervention strategies.

Daily life complexities

In exploring snack choices at a conference, calorie labels exhibited limited influence, while Nutri-Score labels significantly increased the likelihood of choosing nuts over candy bars. Morning choices, marked by heightened cognitive engagement, showcased a propensity for healthier options. This study underscores nutritional labels as pragmatic tools to nudge consumers toward healthier snack choices, urging ongoing efforts to refine strategies aligning with daily life dynamics.

Sciencedirect.com