See if potato chips are especially rewarding and could encourage abuse
Official title: Bet You Can't Eat Just One: Testing the Abuse Liability of Hyper-palatable Foods
Run by University of Kansas · NCT07776938 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests whether potato chips, a common hyper-palatable food, can produce stronger rewarding effects and self-control reinforcement in adults who eat chips frequently.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 168 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Kansas Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Lawrence, Kansas) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | September 8, 2026 |
| Main results expected | November 2030 |
| Study ends | January 30, 2031 |
| Registry record updated | September 14, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07776938 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults 18 years and older who regularly consume potato chips (at least 3 times per week) and have no current substance use or eating disorders.
✕Probably not a fit
Individuals with active substance use disorders, eating disorders, recent bariatric surgery, or significant dietary restrictions may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This laboratory study uses a within-subjects, double-blind, randomized crossover design to compare the rewarding and reinforcing effects of a hyper-palatable food (potato chips) against a non-hyper-palatable control and modified doses. Participants undergo four sessions in randomized orders to counterbalance the stimuli. The study assesses acute dose effects, a self-administration task, and a behavioral economic food purchase task to gauge abuse liability. Eligible participants are adults 18+ with high regular potato chip intake and no current substance use or eating disorders. The investigation is conducted at the University of Kansas with NIDA collaboration, under a controlled lab protocol compliant with FDA standards.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, findings could improve understanding of how hyper-palatable foods influence reward and potential misuse, informing prevention and intervention strategies.
How similar studies have gone: Prior research has shown measurable reward and reinforcement responses to palatable foods in laboratory settings, supporting the feasibility of similar approaches.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Adults 18+ years old * High dietary intake of regular potato chips (HPF stimulus in the study), identified as \>=3 times per week via a standard dietary history questionnaire * Like potato chips, the study-provided food (rating of \>6 out of 10 on visual analogue scale) and willing to consume them in the lab. Exclusion Criteria: * Currently prescribed medications for weight loss (e.g., Ozempic), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, substance use disorder, or binge eating disorder * Substance use disorder diagnosis in the past year (self-reported) or substantial consequences from substance use in the past year (score on Drug Abuse Screening Test-10 of 6 or higher) * Eating disorder diagnosis in the past year * Bariatric surgery in the past year * Dietary allergies or restrictions to gluten * Dietary allergies or restrictions to root vegetables * Currently participating in a weight management treatment program or engaging in dietary modification to induce weight loss * Trying to cut down on HPF intake * Diagnosed smell or taste dysfunction * Currently pregnant * Diagnosed cognitive impairment (self-reported)
Where it's running
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Dole Human Development Center
Lawrence, Kansas, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Tera Fazzino, Doctorate
- Email: tfazzino@ku.edu
- Phone: 785-864-0062
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.