Influence of food literacy and concern for healthy eating on evaluations of snacks with front-of-pack nutrition labeling

: the Nutri-Score compared to calorie information

Abstract

Obesity is a global problem and the increase in unhealthy eating habits is a major driver. To address this, Front-of-Pack Nutrition Labeling (FOPNL) systems – e.g., the Nutri-Score (voluntary in the EU) and Calorie Labelling (mandatory in the US) –, are being deployed to steer consumers into making more informed and healthier food choices. While previous research has investigated the influence of FOPNL on consumer behavior, there has been limited exploration of how individuals’ level of food literacy and attitude towards healthy eating may affect their impact. This dissertation assessed the effects of consumers’ confidence in own food skills and concern for healthy eating on their evaluations of three snack stimuli with a Calorie Information/100g or a Nutri-Score label. An experiment (3x2 mixed design) was administered via an online questionnaire, resulting in 143 valid responses. Data were analyzed with mixed ANOVA and linear regression. No major differences were observed in snack evaluations between the two FOPNL, with participants seemingly relying more on their own perceptions and beliefs about the nutritional quality of the products to judge them then on labelling. Confidence in own food skills/concern for healthy eating significantly moderated the effect of type of FOPNL on the health/taste evaluations of a nut mix, a snack deemed both high calorie and healthy. Overall, findings highlight the need for food policy officers and marketing practitioners to carefully assess the extent to which product and individual characteristics may limit the effectiveness of different FOPNL systems.

Date of Award	22 Jan 2024
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Ana Isabel de Almeida Costa (Supervisor)