How a healthy checkout rule changes grocery options and purchases
Impact of a Healthy Checkout Policy on Healthfulness of Grocery Environments and Sales
Looks at whether banning sugary and salty items from store checkouts leads to healthier shopping choices, especially for people with or at risk for type 2 diabetes.
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 ID | NIH-11470311 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project follows Berkeley’s new rule that prohibits high-sugar and high-sodium products at store checkouts and compares changes in store environments and purchases to three similar cities without the rule. Researchers will use store scans and sales data to measure what’s offered at checkout and what shoppers actually buy over time. They will apply statistical methods (synthetic control and difference-in-differences) to compare trends in Berkeley versus comparison locations. The team will examine both checkout areas and overall store purchases to see if the policy reduces impulse buys of sugary drinks, sweets, and salty snacks.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Shoppers who regularly buy groceries in Berkeley or the three comparison cities, especially people who often make impulse purchases at checkouts or who have or are at risk for type 2 diabetes.
Not a fit: People who mainly shop online, rarely visit physical store checkouts, use self-checkout that bypasses impulse displays, or already follow a very healthy diet may not see much change or benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the policy could reduce impulse purchases of unhealthy items, support healthier diets, and help lower population risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes.
How similar studies have performed: Voluntary checkout standards used in other countries have reduced purchases of unhealthy foods and increased healthier purchases, so there is supportive international evidence though this is the first U.S. mandatory policy study.
Where this research is happening
Davis, United States
- 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 below.