Understanding how food labels affect shopping choices
Label to Table: New Insights into Supermarket Food Labeling
This study is looking at how food labels in supermarkets, like the updated Nutrition Facts Label and the Guiding Stars system, can help shoppers make healthier choices when buying groceries.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Canton, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11052481 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the effectiveness of nutrition labeling on food products in supermarkets, focusing on how these labels influence consumer choices and dietary habits. By analyzing transaction data from a major supermarket chain and conducting experiments in an online shopping environment, the study aims to assess the impact of two specific labeling systems: the updated Nutrition Facts Label and the Guiding Stars system. Surveys will also be conducted to gather insights from shoppers about their experiences and perceptions of these labels. The goal is to determine whether improved labeling leads to healthier food purchases among consumers.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals who frequently shop for groceries and are interested in improving their dietary habits.
Not a fit: Patients who do not shop for groceries or have limited access to supermarkets may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better food labeling practices that help consumers make healthier dietary choices.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that effective food labeling can positively influence consumer behavior, suggesting that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
Canton, UNITED STATES
- Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, INC. — Canton, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Block, Jason Perry — Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, INC.
- Study coordinator: Block, Jason Perry
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.