Background and aims: There is a significant knowledge gap regarding the effectiveness of front-of-pack labeling (FoPL) systems in helping food choices that meet specific nutritional requirements. This study sought to compare the effectiveness of the Nutri-Score (NS) and NutrInform Battery (NIB) labels in assisting consumers to select food products with low sodium or low saturated fat. Methods and results: Utilizing a controlled experimental design, a sample of 1512 participants (aged 18-70, 50.8% females) was exposed to scenarios through computer-assisted web interviewing, where they selected food products suitable for people with suboptimal blood pressure or plasma cholesterol levels, labeled with either NS, NIB, or no label (blind). The NIB proved significantly more efficacious than NS in guiding participants towards making selections in better agreement with nutritional needs, for blood pressure or cholesterol control. Furthermore, the NIB was generally viewed more favorably, with participants rating it as more trustworthy, informative, and useful for the required task. Notably, younger participants, those with higher nutritional knowledge, and those less inclined towards intuitive or spontaneous decision-making demonstrated a greater propensity for making health-congruent food choices when using the NIB. Conclusion: The findings suggest that the informative FoPL system, NIB, may offer greater advantages in addressing specific dietary requirements. This underscores the important role of FoPL systems in promoting public health and meeting diverse and specific consumer needs. Further research is needed to confirm these results in broader contexts and for additional health conditions.

The role of Nutri-Score and NutrInform Battery in guiding the food choices of consumers with specific nutritional needs: A controlled study / G. Castellini, S. Bertorelli, M. Carruba, L.M. Donini, D. Martini, G. Graffigna. - In: NMCD. NUTRITION METABOLISM AND CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES. - ISSN 0939-4753. - (2024), pp. 1-10. [Epub ahead of print] [10.1016/j.numecd.2024.08.007]

The role of Nutri-Score and NutrInform Battery in guiding the food choices of consumers with specific nutritional needs: A controlled study

M. Carruba;D. Martini
Penultimo
;
2024

Abstract

Background and aims: There is a significant knowledge gap regarding the effectiveness of front-of-pack labeling (FoPL) systems in helping food choices that meet specific nutritional requirements. This study sought to compare the effectiveness of the Nutri-Score (NS) and NutrInform Battery (NIB) labels in assisting consumers to select food products with low sodium or low saturated fat. Methods and results: Utilizing a controlled experimental design, a sample of 1512 participants (aged 18-70, 50.8% females) was exposed to scenarios through computer-assisted web interviewing, where they selected food products suitable for people with suboptimal blood pressure or plasma cholesterol levels, labeled with either NS, NIB, or no label (blind). The NIB proved significantly more efficacious than NS in guiding participants towards making selections in better agreement with nutritional needs, for blood pressure or cholesterol control. Furthermore, the NIB was generally viewed more favorably, with participants rating it as more trustworthy, informative, and useful for the required task. Notably, younger participants, those with higher nutritional knowledge, and those less inclined towards intuitive or spontaneous decision-making demonstrated a greater propensity for making health-congruent food choices when using the NIB. Conclusion: The findings suggest that the informative FoPL system, NIB, may offer greater advantages in addressing specific dietary requirements. This underscores the important role of FoPL systems in promoting public health and meeting diverse and specific consumer needs. Further research is needed to confirm these results in broader contexts and for additional health conditions.
Food choice behavior; Front-of-pack labeling; NutrInform Battery; Nutri-score; Nutritional needs
Settore MEDS-08/C - Scienza dell'alimentazione e delle tecniche dietetiche applicate
2024
10-ago-2024
Article (author)
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/2434/1100970
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