Can front-of-pack labels influence portion size judgements for unhealthy foods?

Abstract

Respondents perceived smaller portion sizes as appropriate for some, but not all, of the foods tested when FOP labels with more interpretative formats (HSR, MTL) appeared on-pack compared with no FOP label. No effect was found for the less interpretive FOP label (the DIG). Interpretive FOP labels may have the potential to influence portion size judgements, albeit at modest levels.

The performance and potential of the Australasian Health Star Rating system: a four‐year review using the RE‐AIM framework

“…Understanding and use: Most research identified the HSR graphic as easy to understand and use. The HSR star logo was found to be more likely to be understood and to influence product selection than the Nutrition Information Panel (NIP), 35,36 health and nutrient content claims, 37–40 and alternative FoPL designs including the Multiple Traffic Light (MTL) 35,36,38,41 and industry‐preferred Daily Intake Guide 35,36,38,41–44 . Several studies confirmed these results in children 40–42,44 .…”

“…Several studies inferred a shift towards purchasing of more healthy food or beverage choices when compared to no FoPL, 43,49 and suggested that HSR remained a significant attribute in driving product choice even when there were co‐existing health claims 39,40 or other forms of nutrition information and marketing on the label 50 . In the disparate New Zealand studies noted above, HSR was shown to be ineffective in influencing unprompted consumer choice between two breakfast cereals 46,47 and consumers made similar purchases using HSR and MTL 45 .…”

Impact of Front-of-Pack Nutrition Labels on Portion Size Selection: An Experimental Study in a French Cohort

“…A study investigated the impact of the Health Star Rating system (HSR, a summary FoPL implemented in Australia and New Zealand), compared to an energy only label on portion size in young adults, and reported no significant differences in portion size selection [ 15 ]. Another study which compared the effects of the HSR, the Daily Intake Guide label, and MTL on portion size selection, observed a small effect of the HSR to reduce portion size for cornflakes and pizzas only, and an effect of MTL to decrease selected portion sizes for cornflakes only [ 17 ], compared to no label. Another study investigated the effect of portion size and caloric Guideline Daily Amounts labelling on portion size choices and consumption of regular soft drinks, but they did not observe any effect on soft drink intake [ 16 ].…”

“…Very few studies have investigated the impact of FoP nutritional labelling on portion size selection [ 15 , 16 , 17 ], while a review has suggested that they may modify the perception of consumers of the nutritional quality of products, and then lead to “halo” effect, influencing the quantities consumed [ 18 ]. Indeed, misinterpretations of the actual nutritional content of a food may lead consumers towards larger portions and overconsumption of less healthy foods [ 19 ].…”

Evaluación del etiquetado frontal de advertencia de la Ley de Alimentos en adultos responsables de escolares de las comunas de La Serena y Coquimbo

“…Existe variada evidencia 3,11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18,19,20 que señala que las etiquetas presentadas en forma entendible, podrían tener un papel decisivo en el cambio de comportamiento del consumidor. Por otra parte, el etiquetado frontal favorece la comprensión y utilización de la información nutricional del alimento, debido a las percepciones asociadas a su existencia con esta forma de presentación 21 .…”