Understanding how healthy food options in online stores can improve diets
A longitudinal, randomized-controlled experiment of healthy food policies in online retail settings
This project looks at how different healthy food policies in online grocery stores might help people make better food choices and improve their health.
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 ID | NIH-11170019 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
We know that what we eat greatly affects our health, and unhealthy diets contribute to conditions like type 2 diabetes, obesity, and heart disease. This project aims to understand if offering healthier food options and using specific policies in online grocery stores can encourage people to choose more nutritious foods. Researchers will explore if changes like clearer nutrition labels or promoting healthier items can lead to better dietary habits. The goal is to find effective ways to support everyone in making healthier food choices, especially those who are at higher risk for diet-related illnesses.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This project is relevant to adults aged 21 and older who are interested in how online shopping environments can influence their food choices and overall health.
Not a fit: Patients not interested in or impacted by online food retail policies may not directly benefit from this particular research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new strategies for online food retailers to help people choose healthier foods, potentially reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that policies like sugar-sweetened beverage taxes and warning labels can successfully change purchasing behavior, suggesting similar approaches for other foods may also work.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- 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 below.