Abstract
Objectives
To understand consumer (1) interest in nutrition information on food labels and quick-service
restaurant menu boards and (2) reactions to modifying this information to help highlight
calories and more healthful choices.
Design
Eight consumer focus groups, using a guide and stimuli.
Setting
Focus group discussions in 4 US cities.
Participants
A total of 68 consumers, with 7 to 10 per focus group.
Analysis
Authors prepared detailed summaries of discussions based on observation. Video recordings
and transcripts were used to cross-check summaries. Data were systematically reviewed,
synthesized, and analyzed.
Phenomenon of Interest
Consumer views on alternative presentations of nutrition information on packaged food
items and quick-service restaurant menu boards.
Results
Participants (1) were interested in having nutrition information available, but would
not use it at every eating occasion; (2) thought that food products typically consumed
at 1 eating occasion should be labeled as a single serving; and (3) indicated that
an icon on labels and menu boards that signaled more healthful options could be helpful.
Conclusions and Implications
Findings provide a basis for the development of more systematic studies to better
understand whether alternative presentations of nutrition information would help consumers.
Key Words
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Article info
Footnotes
This research was exclusively funded by the US Department of Health and Human Services.
Identification
Copyright
Published by Elsevier Inc.
