Click & Pick: online shopping policies to help people choose healthier foods

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

The trial randomizes 300 lower-income adults in Houston, San Antonio, and Philadelphia to either a control condition or a suite of healthy food policies applied in simulated online grocery and restaurant platforms. Participants complete one online shopping session per week for six weeks, with the first week serving as a baseline, three weeks with interventions, and two weeks that introduce industry-style marketing to mimic real-world responses. The intervention package includes taxes on ultra-processed foods and beverages, front-of-pack nutrition warning labels, and healthy checkout regulations that limit promotion of unhealthy items. Primary outcomes are changes in purchases and reported intake of healthy and ultra-processed foods.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* ≥18 years old
* Not currently eligible for or participating in SNAP or another government program that automatically qualifies the person for SNAP (e.g., WIC, TANF)
* Meets the following income eligibility requirements:

For participants living in the Houston or San Antonio areas, their household income must be greater than 165% of the federal poverty level, but less than the Texas state median household income (based on the 2023 American Community Survey) for their household size \[11\].

For participants living in the Philadelphia area, their income must be greater than 200% of the federal poverty level, but less than the Pennsylvania state median household income (based on the 2023 American Community Survey) for their household size \[11\].

* Reports consuming food from McDonald's or a similar fast-food chain at least once a month
* Does most of the grocery shopping for the household
* Can adhere to the study schedule (e.g., receive a lunch on a Wednesday)
* Has regular internet access
* Has a smart phone that can take pictures
* Resident of Houston, TX, San Antonio, TX or Philadelphia, PA or the surrounding areas and plans to be there for the next six weeks
* Household size of six or fewer people
* Have an address eligible for receiving Grubhub+ and Walmart+ deliveries

Exclusion Criteria:

* Does not meet all of the inclusion criteria
* Cognitive impairment; per PIs discretion
* Participant is under 18 years old
* Does not speak English or Spanish

Where it's running

• University of Pennsylvania
  Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Christina Roberto, PhD — University of Pennsylvania
• Study coordinator: Julianna Catania, MPH
• Email: julianna.catania@pennmedicine.upenn.edu
• Phone: (215) 839-9689

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.