Examining the impact of healthy food policies in online shopping
Official title: A longitudinal, randomized-controlled experiment of healthy food policies in online retail settings
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-10881049 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how healthy food rules, like taxes on sugary drinks and warning labels, can help people make better food choices when shopping online, and it’s designed for anyone interested in improving their eating habits.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $719,465 |
| NIH project number | 1R01DK136779-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10881049 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults over the age of 21 who engage in online grocery shopping and are interested in improving their dietary habits.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not shop online for groceries or those who are not concerned about dietary changes may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how implementing healthy food policies, such as taxes on sugary beverages and nutrition warning labels, can influence dietary choices in online retail settings. By focusing on a range of ultra-processed foods, the study aims to understand if these policies can effectively shift consumer behavior towards healthier options. Participants will be part of a longitudinal, randomized-controlled experiment that tracks changes in food purchasing and consumption patterns over time. The research seeks to provide insights into how policy changes can improve nutrition security and public health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved dietary choices and reduced rates of chronic diseases among consumers.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that similar policies, such as sugary beverage taxes, have successfully reduced consumption, indicating potential for success in this broader approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Roberto, Christina Ann — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Roberto, Christina Ann
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.