Effects of a policy to promote healthier food choices at grocery store checkouts
Official title: Impact of a Healthy Checkout Policy on Healthfulness of Grocery Environments and Sales
Funded at University of California at Davis · NIH-11012262 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a new policy in Berkeley that limits sugary and salty snacks at checkout can help people eat healthier and lower their chances of obesity and type 2 diabetes, and it could mean better food choices for you when shopping.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California at Davis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Davis, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $695,497 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK135099-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11012262 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living in areas with grocery stores affected by the healthy checkout policy, particularly those at risk for obesity and type 2 diabetes.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not shop at grocery stores in the affected areas or those who do not have concerns about diet quality may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of a healthy checkout policy implemented in Berkeley, CA, which restricts high-sugar and high-sodium products from being sold at checkout. By analyzing changes in food environments and purchasing behaviors, the study aims to determine if this policy can improve diet quality and reduce the risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes. The research will compare grocery stores in Berkeley with those in three other cities to assess the effectiveness of the policy using advanced statistical methods. Patients may benefit from improved access to healthier food options and a reduction in impulse purchases of unhealthy items.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to healthier grocery store environments that promote better dietary choices for consumers.
How similar studies have gone: Previous voluntary checkout standards in other countries have shown success in reducing unhealthy food purchases, suggesting that this mandatory policy could also be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California at Davis
Davis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Falbe, Jennifer — University of California at Davis
- Study coordinator: Falbe, Jennifer
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.