Examining the impact of healthy food policies in online shopping

A longitudinal, randomized-controlled experiment of healthy food policies in online retail settings

NIH-funded research University of Pennsylvania · NIH-10881049

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 typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Pennsylvania NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Philadelphia, United States)
Project IDNIH-10881049 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: 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.

Not a fit: Patients who do not shop online for groceries or those who are not concerned about dietary changes may not benefit from this research.

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 performed: 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

Philadelphia, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Adult-Onset Diabetes MellitusCancersCardiac DiseasesCardiac Disorders
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.