scholarly journals Impact of Front-of-Pack Nutrition Labels on Portion Size Selection: An Experimental Study in a French Cohort

Nutrients ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (9) ◽  
pp. 1268 ◽  
Author(s):  
Manon Egnell ◽  
Emmanuelle Kesse-Guyot ◽  
Pilar Galan ◽  
Mathilde Touvier ◽  
Mike Rayner ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Food Group ◽  
Portion Size ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Food Category ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Nutrition Labels ◽  
Logistic Regression Models ◽  
Traffic Lights ◽  
Size Selection ◽  
The Impact

In the European Union (EU) three coloured graded Front-of-Pack labels (FoPLs), two endorsed by governments (Nutri-Score and Multiple Traffic Lights (MTL)) and one designed by industry (Evolved Nutrition Label (ENL)) are currently being discussed. This study aimed to investigate the impact of these FoPLs on portion size selection, specifically for less healthy products. In 2018, participants from the French NutriNet-Santé cohort study (N = 25,772) were exposed through a web-based self-administered questionnaire to products from three food categories (sweet biscuits, cheeses, and sweet spreads), with or without FoPLs, and were invited to select the portion they would consume (in size and number). Kruskall-Wallis tests, and mixed ordinal logistic regression models, were used to investigate the effects of FoPLs on portion size selection. Compared to no label, Nutri-Score consistently lowered portion sizes (OR = 0.76 (0.74–0.76)), followed by MTL (OR = 0.83 (0.82–0.84)). For ENL, the effects differed depending on the food group: It lowered portion size selection for cheeses (OR = 0.84 (0.83–0.87)), and increased it for spreads (OR = 1.19 (1.15–1.22)). Nutri-Score followed by MTL appear efficient tools to encourage consumers to decrease their portion size for less healthy products, while ENL appears to have inconsistent effects depending on the food category.

scholarly journals Guiding healthier food choice: systematic comparison of four front-of-pack labelling systems and their effect on judgements of product healthiness

2015 ◽  
Vol 113 (10) ◽  
pp. 1652-1663 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charo E. Hodgkins ◽  
Monique M. Raats ◽  
Chris Fife-Schaw ◽  
Matthew Peacock ◽  
Andrea Gröppel-Klein ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Repeated Measurements ◽  
Portion Size ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Food Category ◽  
Nutritional Information ◽  
Traffic Lights ◽  
Within Subjects ◽  
Objective Understanding ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Energy Information

Different front-of-pack (FOP) labelling systems have been developed in Europe by industry and organisations concerned with health promotion. A study (n 2068) was performed to establish the extent to which inclusion of the most prevalent FOP systems – guideline daily amounts (GDA), traffic lights (TL), GDA+TL hybrid (HYB) and health logos (HL) – impact consumer perceptions of healthiness over and above the provision of a FOP basic label (BL) containing numerical nutritional information alone. The design included within- and between-subjects factors. The within-subjects factors were: food (pizzas, yogurts and biscuits), healthiness of the food (high health, medium health and low health) and the repeated measurements under BL and test FOP label conditions. The between-subjects factors were: the system (GDA, TL, GDA+TL hybrid, HL), portion size (typical portion size and a 50 % reduction of a typical portion) and country (the UK, Germany, Poland and Turkey). Although the FOP systems tested did result in small improvements for objective understanding under some conditions, there was little difference between the provision of an FOP label containing basic numerical nutritional information alone or between the various systems. Thus, any structured and legible presentation of key nutrient and energy information on the FOP label is sufficient to enable consumers to detect a healthier alternative within a food category when provided with foods that have distinctly different levels of healthiness. Future research should focus on developing greater understanding of the psychological and contextual factors that impact motivation and the opportunity to use the various FOP systems in real-world shopping settings.

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 Effect of Educational Interventions on Understanding and Use of Nutrition Labels: A Systematic Review

Nutrients ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (10) ◽  
pp. 1432 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sally Moore ◽  
Judy Donnelly ◽  
Steve Jones ◽  
Janet Cade
Keyword(s):  
Educational Interventions ◽  
The United States ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Nutrition Labels ◽  
Research Education ◽  
Nutrition Facts Panel ◽  
Study Participants ◽  
Participant Understanding ◽  
The Impact

The potential for nutrition labels to impact on population health is dependent on consumer ability to understand and use this information. Consumer understanding of this information varies across sociodemographic groups and with different label design formats. Labeling legislation requires consumer education on how to use nutrition labels, and recent mandatory changes to the Nutrition Facts Panel (NFP) are underway to improve comprehensibility. This review aimed to evaluate if educational programs can improve understanding and use of nutrition labels. Database searches were performed to identify interventions which delivered education on nutrition labels with outcomes measuring aspects of comprehension or use. A total of 17 studies were selected for review, including nine randomized and eight cohort studies. The majority of studies were conducted in the United States Study participants included school aged children, older adults, and those with diabetes within a range of intervention types involving taught sessions or web-based education. Whilst outcome measures were heterogenous, all studies reported a statistically significant improvement in one or more outcomes of participant understanding or use of nutrition labels. Aspects such as general nutrition knowledge, health literacy, and program delivery format warrant attention in future research. Education which optimizes comprehension and use of nutrition labels may have the potential to improve the impact of this information on dietary health.

scholarly journals Objective understanding of the Nutri-score front-of-pack label by European consumers and its effect on food choices: an online experimental study

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Manon Egnell ◽  
Zenobia Talati ◽  
Pilar Galan ◽  
Valentina A. Andreeva ◽  
Stefanie Vandevijvere ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Food Choice ◽  
Nutritional Quality ◽  
Food Choices ◽  
Rating System ◽  
Nutrition Labels ◽  
Star Rating ◽  
Logistic Regression Models ◽  
Traffic Lights ◽  
Food Packages ◽  
Objective Understanding

Abstract Background The effectiveness of Front-of-Pack nutrition Labels (FoPLs) may be influenced by national context. In light of the ongoing efforts to harmonize FoPLs across Europe, this study aimed to compare the effectiveness of five FoPLs (Health Star Rating system, Multiple Traffic Lights, Nutri-Score, Reference Intakes, Warning symbols) on consumer understanding and food choice in 12 European countries. Methods In 2018–2019, for three food categories, approximately 1000 participants per country were asked to select which food they would prefer to purchase between three products with distinct nutritional quality profiles, and then to rank the products by nutritional quality. Participants (N = 12,391 in total) completed these tasks first with no FoPL and then, after randomization to one of the five FoPLs, with a FoPL on the food packages. Associations between FoPLs and change in (i) nutritional quality of food choices and (ii) ability to correctly rank the products by nutritional quality were assessed with logistic regression models adjusted for sociodemographic and lifestyle characteristics of participants, conducted overall and by country. Findings Compared with the Reference Intakes, the Nutri-Score (OR = 3.23[2.75–3.81]; p < 0.0001), followed by the Multiple Traffic Lights (OR = 1.68[1.42–1.98]; p < 0.0001), was the most effective FoPL in helping consumers identify the foods’ nutritional quality, overall and in each of the 12 countries. Differences between FoPLs regarding food choice modifications were smaller, but the effect of the Nutri-Score seemed slightly higher in eliciting healthier food choices overall compared with the Reference Intakes, followed by the Warning symbols, the Multiple Traffic Lights and the Health Star Rating system. Interpretation In the context of FoPL harmonization in Europe, these findings from an online experiment provide insights into the Nutri-Score’s effectiveness on European consumers.

scholarly journals Online Consumer Survey Comparing Different Front-of-Pack Labels in Greece

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 46
Author(s):  
Lamprini Kontopoulou ◽  
George Karpetas ◽  
Εvangelos C. Fradelos ◽  
Ioanna V. Papathanasiou ◽  
Foteini Malli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nutritional Quality ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Multinomial Logistic Regression ◽  
Food Choices ◽  
Nutrition Labeling ◽  
Nutrition Labels ◽  
Logistic Regression Models ◽  
Traffic Lights ◽  
Quality Of Food

According to the WHO, front-of-pack nutrition labeling provides simplified nutrition information in the form of symbols, colors or words that can help consumers understand the nutritional quality of food, thus leading them to healthier food choices. It is considered of the utmost importance to explore the knowledge and understanding of consumers about this form of nutrition labeling. The aim of this study was to investigate the understanding and perceptions of Greek consumers in response to five different front-of-pack nutrition labels (FoPLs): the Multiple Traffic Lights, Health Star Rating System, Guideline Daily Amounts, Warning Symbols and Nutri-Score. From April 2021 to June 2021, 1278 participants from Greece took part in an online survey where they were asked to rank three products according to their nutritional quality. The classification process was performed first without FoPLs and then with FoPLs. The ability to classify products according to their nutritional quality was evaluated with multinomial logistic regression models, and the Nutri-Score label presented greater improvements when compared to the GDA label for Greek consumers. The Nutri-Score seemed to better help the Greek consumers rank foods according to their nutritional value.

Objective understanding of the front-of-pack nutrition label Nutri-Score by European consumers

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
M Egnell ◽  
Z Talati ◽  
P Galan ◽  
V Andreeva ◽  
S Vandevijvere ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nutritional Quality ◽  
Food Choices ◽  
Nutrition Labels ◽  
Logistic Regression Models ◽  
Traffic Lights ◽  
Nutrition Labelling ◽  
Food Packages ◽  
Objective Understanding ◽  
Quality Of Food

Abstract Background The effectiveness of Front-of-Pack nutrition Labels (FoPL) may be influenced by national context. In light of the ongoing efforts to harmonize nutrition labelling across Europe, the study aimed to compare the effectiveness of five FoPLs (Health Star Rating system [HSR], Multiple Traffic Lights [MTL], Nutri-Score, Reference Intakes [RIs], Warning symbol) in 12 European consumers. Methods In 2018-2019, for three food categories, approximately 1,000 participants per country were asked to select which food they would prefer to purchase between three products with distinct nutritional quality, and then to rank the products nutritional quality. Participants completed these tasks first with no FoPL and then, after randomization to one of the five FoPLs, with a FoPL on food packages. Associations between FoPLs and change in (i) nutritional quality of food choices, and (ii) ability to correctly rank the products nutritional quality were assessed with multivariable logistic regression models. Results Compared with the RIs, the Nutri-Score (OR = 3·23[2·75-3·81]; p &lt; 0.0001), followed by the MTL (OR = 1·68[1·42-1·98]; p &lt; 0.0001), was the most effective FoPL in helping participants identify the foods nutritional quality, overall and in each of the 12 countries. Differences between FoPLs regarding food choice modifications were smaller, but the effect of the Nutri-Score was slightly higher in eliciting healthier food choices overall compared with the RIs, followed by the Warning symbol, MTL and HSR. Conclusions These findings from an online experiment provide insights on the Nutri-Score's effectiveness in multiple European countries in the context of FoPL harmonization in Europe. Key messages The comparison of the effectiveness of front-of-pack labels highlighted the relative performance of various types of labels, the Nutri-Score showing a higher performance than other schemes. The higher performance of the Nutri-Score was identified for objective understanding and to a lesser extent food choices.

scholarly journals Assessing food appeal and desire to eat: The effects of portion size & energy density

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kyle Stanley Burger
Keyword(s):  
Energy Density ◽  
Body Mass ◽  
Visual Presentation ◽  
Food Group ◽  
Portion Size ◽  
Subjective Ratings ◽  
Small Energy ◽  
Food Category ◽  
Food Pictures ◽  
Desire To Eat

Background: Visual presentation of food provides considerable information such as its potential for palatability and availability, both of which can impact eating behavior. Methods: We investigated the subjective ratings for food appeal and desire to eat when exposed to food pictures in a fed sample (n=129) using the computer paradigm ImageRate. Food appeal and desire to eat were analyzed for the effects of food group, portion size and energy density of the foods presented as well as by participant characteristics. Results: Food appeal ratings were significantly higher than those for desire to eat (57.9 ± 11.6 v. 44.7 ± 18.0; p &lt; 0.05). Body mass index was positively correlated to desire to eat (r = 0.20; p &lt; 0.05), but not food appeal. Food category analyses revealed that fruit was the highest rated food category for both appeal and desire, followed by discretionary foods. Additionally, overweight individuals reported higher ratings of desire to eat large portions of food compared to smaller portions (p &lt; 0.001), although these effects were relatively small. Energy density of the foods was inversely correlated with ratings for both appeal and desire (r’s = - 0.27; p’s &lt; 0.01).Conclusions: Results support the hypothesis that individuals differentiate between food appeal and desire to eat foods when assessing these ratings using the same type of metric. Additionally, relations among food appeal and desire to eat ratings and body mass show overweight individuals could be more responsive to visual foods cues in a manner that contributes to obesity.

scholarly journals Testing an online measure of portion size selection: a pilot study concerned with the measurement of ideal portion size

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rochelle Embling ◽  
Michelle D. Lee ◽  
Menna Price ◽  
Laura L. Wilkinson
Keyword(s):  
Food Intake ◽  
Convergent Validity ◽  
Strong Predictor ◽  
Past Research ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Portion Size ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Size Selection ◽  
Expected Satiety

Abstract Background Portion size is known to be a key driver of food intake. As consumed portions are often pre-planned, ‘ideal portion size’—an individual’s preferred meal size selected prior to eating—has been identified as a strong predictor of actual consumption. However, assessments of ideal portion size have predominantly relied on laboratory-based computer tasks, limiting use online. Therefore, this cross-sectional study sought to pilot test the validity of a web-based tool to measure ideal portion size. Methods In an online study (N = 48), participants responded to images of a range of foods. Each food was photographed in a series of different portions and loaded into an ‘image carousel’ that would allow participants to change the size of the displayed portion by moving a slider left-to-right. Using this image carousel, participants selected their ideal portion size. They also completed measures of expected satiety and expected satiation and self-reported their age and body mass index (BMI). A non-parametric correlation matrix was used to explore associations between ideal portion size and identified predictors of food intake. Results Supporting convergent validity of this measure, ideal portion size was significantly correlated with expected satiety (rs = .480) and expected satiation (rs = −.310) after controlling for effects of baseline hunger and fullness, consistent with past research. Similarly, supporting divergent validity of this measure, ideal portion size was not significantly correlated with age (rs = −.032) or BMI (rs = −.111,). Conclusions Pilot results support the validity of this web-based portion size selection tool used to measure ideal portion size, though further research is needed to validate use with comparisons to actual food intake.

scholarly journals Food Rating Scale in Food Services: From Development to Assessment of a Strategy for Consumer Healthier Choices

Nutrients ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (9) ◽  
pp. 1303 ◽  
Author(s):  
Larissa Mazocco ◽  
Rita Akutsu ◽  
Raquel Botelho ◽  
Izabel Da Silva ◽  
Raquel Adjafre ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Eating Behavior ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Food Service ◽  
Food Group ◽  
Sodium Content ◽  
Portion Size ◽  
Food Groups ◽  
Food Services ◽  
Traffic Light ◽  
The Impact

This study aimed to create an easy tool to identify healthier choices for meal assembly in food services (self-service restaurants) and to allow consumers to compose their plates to make healthier choices. It is an interventional study, and the first step was setting healthy food parameters to design a rating scale. The first evaluation criterion was based on energy density (ED) and sodium content (SC) using “traffic light” color in the dishes’ nameplates; the second criterion was based on food groups; the third criterion was based on ingredients of the meals. After using the classification, we assessed the rating scale in a food service and we evaluated the strategy with its consumers. To evaluate the effect of the nutritional intervention, we developed a multiple-choice-questionnaire with eight questions to measure the impact on consumer food choices quantitatively. The dish nameplate allows identification of healthier choices regarding SC and/or ED by colors; ingredients that compose the dish; the food group and the serving size, helping the identification of the amount of food to compose the meal. Banners helped consumers to understand the information. After four weeks, all the consumers (n = 1000) received questionnaires regarding their comprehension of the classification. The questionnaire presented an ICC of 0.71. Most of the preparations (61%) were inadequate based on ED and/or SC at the studied food service. A total of 556 consumers returned questionnaires, and 86.3% of them observed the rating scale as a nutritional strategy. Almost 55% (n = 261) of consumers reported changes in food choice after reading the dishes nameplates. The items with greater impact on consumer change in eating behavior were the use of colors as an indicator of nutritional quality, portion size information and ingredients list. Almost 25% of the consumers that changed their eating behavior noticed more than three items presented on the nameplate.

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