Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in
Book cover

Aware Food Choices: Bridging the Gap Between Consumer Knowledge About Nutritional Requirements and Nutritional Information pp 5–17Cite as

Literature Analysis on Consumer Understanding of Nutrition Information

  • Chapter
  • First Online:

  • 887 Accesses

Part of the book series: SpringerBriefs in Food, Health, and Nutrition ((BRIEFSFOOD))

Abstract

With the continuous introduction of new products claiming nutrition and health benefits, the development of food market reveals some issues with regards to consumer understanding and perception of these actual messages. In general, many questions arise regarding the effective comprehension of nutrition information —made by consumers on food and in promotion—and about the actual use of such information in food choices and purchasing decisions, in order to support a healthy diet concept. Indeed, it seems that many consumers have difficulty in understanding nutritional information and prefer simpler ways in providing such information, which is able to help them in the rapid evaluation of nutritional characteristics of a foodstuff. In addition, specific consumer features and conditions influence their preferences and perception of foods with health-related benefits. In the present chapter, results are presented from a literature review on factors influencing consumer perception, understanding and use of nutrition information made on food. Finally, some results achieved by the selected papers are analyzed, and implications discussed.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution.

Chapter
USD   29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD   44.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD   59.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Learn about institutional subscriptions

References

  • Andrews, C., Burton, S., & Netemeyer, R. G. (2000). Are some comparative nutrition claims misleading? The role of nutrition knowledge, ad claim type and disclosure conditions. Journal of Advertising, 29(3), 29–42.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Andrews, C., Netemeyer, R. G., & Burton, S. (1998). Consumer generalization of nutrient content claims in advertising. Journal of Marketing, 62(4), 62–75.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Annunziata, A., & Vecchio, R. (2012). Factors affecting use and understanding of nutrition information on food labels:Evidences from consumers. Agricultural Economic Review, 13(2), 103–116.

    Google Scholar 

  • Annunziata, A., Mariani, A., & Vecchio, R. (2014). Consumer understanding and use of health claims: the case of functional foods. Recent Patents on Food, Nutrition & Agriculture, 6(2), 113–126.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ares, G., Giménez, A., & Deliza, R. (2010). Influence of three non-sensory factors on consumer choice of functional yogurts over regular ones. Food Quality and Preference, 21(4), 361–367.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ares, G., Giménez, A., Bruzzone, F., Antúnez, L., Sapolinski, A., Vidal, L., & Maiche, A. (2012). Attentional capture and understanding of nutrition labelling: A study based on response times. International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition, 63(6), 679–688.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Aschemann-Witzel, J. (2011). The EU health claim regulation in international comparison: Review of the possible impact on food marketing and consumer protection. CAB Reviews: Per-spectives in Agriculture, Veterinary Science, Nutrition and Natural Resources, 6, 1–7.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Aschemann-Witzel, J., & Hamm, U. (2010). Do consumers prefer foods with nutrition and health claims? Results of a purchase simulation. Journal of Marketing Communications, 16(1–2), 47–58.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Baltas, G. (2001). Nutrition labelling: Issues and policies. European Journal of Marketing, 35(5/6), 708–721.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bech-Larsen, T., & Grunert, K. G. (2003). The perceived healthiness of functional foods: A conjoint study of Danish, Finnish and American consumers’ perception of functional foods. Appetite, 40(1), 9–14.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Besler, H. T., Buyuktuncer, Z., & Uyar, M. F. (2012). Consumer understanding and use of food and nutrition labeling in Turkey. Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior, 44(6), 584–591.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Best, R., & McCullough, J. (1978). Evaluation of food labeling policies through measurement of consumer utility. Advances in Consumer Research, 5(1), 213–219.

    Google Scholar 

  • Britten, P., Haven, J., & Davis, C. (2006). Consumer research for development of educational messages for the MyPyramid food guidance system. Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior, 38(6 SUPPL.), S108–S123.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bryans, J. A. (2009). Nutrient profiling: consumer friend or foe? Australian Journal of Dairy Technology, 64(1), 142–147.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Burke, S. J., Milberg, S. J., & Moe, W. W. (1997). Displaying common but previously neglected health claims on product labels: Understanding competitive advantages, deception, and education. Journal of Public Policy and Marketing, 16(2), 242–255.

    Google Scholar 

  • Burton, S., Andrews, C. (1996). Age, product nutrition, and label format effects on consumer perceptions and product evaluations. The Journal of Consumer Affairs, 30(1), 68–89.

    Google Scholar 

  • Burton, S., Andrews, J. C., & Netemeyer, R. G. (2000). Nutrition ad claims and disclosures: Interaction and mediation effects for consumer evaluations of the brand and the ad. Marketing Letters, 11(3), 235–247.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Burton, S., Howlett, E., & Tangari, A. H. (2009). Food for thought: How will the nutrition labeling of quick service restaurant menu items influence consumers’ product evaluations, purchase intentions, and choices? Journal of Retailing, 85(3), 258–273. doi:10.1016/j.jretai.2009.04.007.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Campos, S., Doxey, J., & Hammond, D. (2011). Nutrition labels on pre-packaged foods: A systematic review. Public Health Nutrition, 14(8), 1496–1506.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Carrillo, E., Varela, P., & Fiszman, S. (2012). Packaging information as a modulator of consumers’ perception of enriched and reduced-calorie biscuits in tasting and non-tasting tests. Food Quality and Preference, 2, 105–115.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Colapinto, C. K., & Malaviarachchi, D. (2009). Paint your plate: Effectiveness of a point-of-purchase display. Canadian Journal of Dietetic Practice and Research, 70(2), 66–71.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cowburn, G., & Stockley, L. (2005). Consumer understanding and use of nutrition labelling: A systematic review. Public Health Nutrition, 8(1), 21–28.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Darby, M. R., & Karni, E. (1973). Free competition and the optimal amount of fraud. Journal of Law and Economics, 16, 67–88.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dean, M., Lampila, P., Shepherd, R., Arvola, A., Saba, A., Vassallo, M., Claupein, E., Winkelmann, M., & Lähteenmäki. (2012) Perceived relevance and foods with health-related claims. Food Quality and Preference, 24(1), 129–135.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dean, M., Shepherd, R., Arvola, A., Vassallo, M., Winkelmann, M., Claupein, E., et al. (2007). Consumer perceptions of healthy cereal products and production methods. Journal of Cereal Science, 46(3), 188–196.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Draper, A. K., Adamson, A. J., Clegg, S., Malam, S., Rigg, M., & Duncan, S. (2013). Front-of-pack nutrition labelling: Are multiple formats a problem for consumers? European Journal of Public Health, 23(3), 517–521.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • European Food Information Council—EUFIC (2015). Global Update on Nutrition Labelling. Executive Summary. Resource document. http://www.eufic.org/upl/1/default/doc/GlobalUpdateExecSumJan2015.pdf. Accessed March 2015.

  • FAO (2013). Food Balance Sheets. http://faostat3.fao.org/download/FB/FBS/E. Accessed June 2015.

  • Fatimah, S., Nik Ismail, N. D., & Tee, E. S. (2010). Consumer understanding and preferences for different nutrition information panel formats. Malaysian Journal of Nutrition, 16(2), 243–250.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ford, T., Hastak, M., Mitra, A., & Ringold, D. J. (1996). Can consumers interpret nutrition information in the presence of a health claim? A laboratory investigation. Journal of Public Policy and Marketing, American Marketing Association, 15(1), 16–27.

    Google Scholar 

  • Garretson, J. A., & Burton, S. (2000). Effects of nutrition facts panel values, nutrition claims, and health claims on consumer attitudes, perceptions of disease-related risks, and trust. Journal of Public Policy and Marketing, American Marketing Association, 19(2), 213–227.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Geiger, C. J., Wyse, B. W., Parent, C. R. M., & Hansen, R. G. (1991). Review of nutrition labeling formats. Journal of the American Dietetic Association, 91(7), 808–812.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Grunert, K. G., Fernández-Celemín, L., Wills, J. M., Storcksdieck Genannt Bonsmann, S., & Nu-reeva, L. (2010). Use and understanding of nutrition information on food labels in six European countries. Z Gesundh Wiss 18(3), 261–277.

    Google Scholar 

  • Guthrie, J. F., & Saltos, E. A. (1995). Personal characteristics and fat intakes of individuals who use food labels to check the fat content of foods. Journal of the American Dietetic Association, 95(9 SUPPL.).

    Google Scholar 

  • Hansen, T., Thomsen, T. U., & Beckmann, S. C. (2013). Antecedents and consequences of consumers’ response to health information complexity. Journal of Food Products Marketing, 19(1), 26–40. doi:10.1080/10454446.2013.739553.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hirahara, T. (2005). Key factors for the success of functional foods. Biofactors, 22(1–4), 289–293.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hooker, N. H., & Teratanavat, R. C. (2008). Dissecting qualified health claims: evidence from experimental studies. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 48(2), 160–176.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hurt, E. (2002). Nutrition labelling: European Union and United Kingdom perspectives. Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 11(2), S77–S79.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jacobs, S. A., de Beer, H., & Larney, M. (2011). Adult consumers’ understanding and use of information on food labels: A study among consumers living in the potchefstroom and klerksdorp region. Advances in Consumer Research - European Conference Proceedings, 9, 570–571.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jones, G., & Richardson, M. (2007). An objective examination of consumer perception of nutrition information based on healthiness ratings and eye movements. Public Health Nutrition, 10(3), 238–244.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Josiam, B., & Foster, C. (2009). Nutritional information on restaurant menus: Who cares and why restauranteurs should bother. International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, 21(6/7), 876–891.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jun, & Yeo, J. (2008). A study on the proposed new label of health claims that applies to processed food. Journal of Consumer Studies, 19(3), 67–92.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jun, S. M., Kwon, S. H., Park, H. K., Kim, S. H., Kwon, K. I., & Jung, H. R. (2009). Consumers’ use and demand of restaurant foods nutrition labeling. Journal of Consumer Studies, 20(2), 279–306.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kapsak, W. R., Schmidt, D., Childs, N. M., Meunier, J., & White, C. (2008). Consumer perceptions of graded, graphic and text label presentations for qualified health claims. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 48(3), 248–256.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Keenan, D. P., AbuSabha, R., & Robinson, N. G. (2002). Consumers’ understanding of the dietary guidelines for Americans: Insights into the future. Health Education and Behavior, 29(1), 124–135.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kim, J. Y., Kang, E. J., Kwon, O., & Kim, G.-H. (2010). Korean consumers’ perceptions of health/functional food claims according to the strength of scientific evidence. Nutrition Research and Practice, 4(5), 428–432.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kozup, J. C., Creyer, E. H., & Burton, S. (2003). Making healthful food choices: The influence of health claims and nutrition information on consumers’ evaluations of packaged food products and restaurant menu items. Journal of Marketing, American Marketing Association, 67(2), 19–34.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kozup, J., Borton, S., & Creyer, E. H. (2006). The provision of trans fat information and its interaction with consumer knowledge. Journal of Consumer Affairs, 40(1), 163–176. doi:10.1111/j.1745-6606.2006.00050.x.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lähteenmäki, L. (2013). Claiming health in food products. Food Quality and Preference, 27(2), 196–201.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lähteenmäki, L., Lampila, P., Grunert, K., Boztug, Y., Ueland, Ø., Åström, A., & Martinsdóttir, E. (2010). Impact of health-related claims on the perception of other product attributes. Food Policy, 35, 230–239.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Latherhead Food Research (2014). Future Directions for the Global Functional Foods Market. Resource document. https://www.leatherheadfood.com/sites/default/files/Future-Directions-for-the-Global-Functional-Foods-Market.pdf. Accessed April 2015.

  • Liu, P. J., Bettman, J. R., Uhalde, A. R., & Ubel, P. A. (2015a). How many calories are in my burrito?’ Improving consumers’ understanding of energy (calorie) range information. Public Health Nutrition, 18(1), 15–24.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Liu, R., Hoefkens, C., & Verbeke, W. (2015b). Chinese consumers’ understanding and use of a food nutrition label and their determinants. Food Quality and Preference, 41, 103–111.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mazis, M. B., & Raymond, M. A. (1997). Consumer perceptions of health claims in advertisements and on food labels. The Journal of Consumer Affairs, 31(1), 10–26.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mhurchu, C. N., & Gorton, D. (2007). Nutrition labels and claims in New Zealand and Australia: A review of use and understanding. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health, 31(2), 105–112. doi:10.1111/j.1753-6405.2007.00026.x.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Moss, J. (2006). Labeling of trans fatty acid content in food, regulations and limits-the FDA view. Atherosclerosis Supplements, 7(2), 57–59.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Nafziger, S. (2008). Nutrient profiles and public health: The position of the European food and drink industry in relation to the perspective of the use of the concept of nutrient profiles by the EU regulation on nutrition and health. OCL - Oleagineux Corps Gras Lipides, 15(1), 7–10.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Naylor, R. W., Droms, C. M., & Haws, K. L. (2009). Eating with a purpose: Consumer response to functional food health claims in conflicting versus complementary information environments. Journal of Public Policy and Marketing, American Marketing Association, 28(2), 221–233.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nocella, G., & Kennedy, O. (2012). Food health claims: What consumers understand. Food Policy, 37(5), 571–580.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • O’Connor, A. (2011). Nutrition and health claims: Where are we with the health claims assess-ment process? Nutrition Bulletin, 36(2), 242–247.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Onozaka, Y., Melbye, E. L., Skuland, A. V., & Hansen, H. (2014). Consumer intentions to buy front-of-pack nutrition labeled food products: The moderating effects of personality differences. Journal of Food Products Marketing, 20(4), 390–407. doi:10.1080/10454446.2013.807409.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pijls, L., Ashwell, M., & Lambert, J. (2009). EURRECA: A network of excellence to align European micronutrient recommendations. Food Chemistry, 113(3), 748–753.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Richardson, D. P. (2012). Preparing dossiers: Strength of the evidence and problems of proof. Proceedings of the Nutrition Society, 71(1), 127–140.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Richardson, D. P. (2014). Ensuring that nutrition and health claims in the European union on foods and food (dietary) supplements are justified and scientifically substantiated. In W. G. Town & J. N. Currano (Eds.), Science and the law: Analytical data in support of regulation in health, food, and the environment (Vol. 1147, pp. 119–134).

    Google Scholar 

  • Rimal, A. (2005). Meat labels: consumer attitude and meat consumption pattern. International Journal of Consumer Studies, 29(1), 47–54.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Roberfroid, M. B. (2000). Defining functional foods. In G. Gibson, C.M. Williams (Eds.), Functional Foods. Concept to product (pp. 9–29). Cambridge: Woodhead.

    Google Scholar 

  • Roberto, C. A., Bragg, M. A., Schwartz, M. B., Seamans, M. J., Musicus, A., Novak, N., & Brownell, K. D. (2012). Facts up front versus traffic light food labels: A randomized controlled trial. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 43(2), 134–141.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Robinson, N. (2014). Ageing population will drive food innovation. Food Manufacture, 89(5), 25–26.

    Google Scholar 

  • Scarborough, P., Rayner, M., & Stockley, L. (2007). Developing nutrient profile models: A systematic approach. Public Health Nutrition, 10(4), 330–336.

    Google Scholar 

  • Shaw, A. M., Escobar, A. J., & Davis, C. A. (2000). Reassessing the food guide pyramid: Decision-making framework. Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior, 32(2), 111–118.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Shepherd, R. (1989). Factors influencing food preferences and choice. In R. Shepherd (Ed.), Handbook of the Psychophysiology of Human Eating (pp. 3–24). West Sussex: Wiley.

    Google Scholar 

  • Slabber, M. (2005). Complexities of consumer understanding of the glycaemic index concept and practical guidelines for incorporation in diets. South African Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 18(3), 252–257.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Smith Edge, M., Toner, C., Kapsak, W.R., & Geiger, C.J. (2014). The impact of variations in a fact-based front-of-package nutrition labeling system on consumer comprehension. Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 114(6), 843–854.e848.

    Google Scholar 

  • Taylor, C. L. (2004). Regulatory frameworks for functional foods and dietary supplements. Nutrition Reviews, 62(2), 55–59.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tessier, S., Edwards, C. A., & Morris, S. E. (2000). Use and knowledge of food labels of shoppers in a city with a high proportion of heart disease. Journal of Consumer Studies and Home Economics, 24(1), 35.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tuttle, C. R. (2001). Consumer understanding of the food guide pyramid and dietary guidelines. Journal of Extension, 39(4).

    Google Scholar 

  • Urala, N., & Lahteenmaki, L. (2003). Reasons behind consumers’ functional food choices. Nutrition and Food Science, 33(4), 148–158.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Van Trijp, H. C. M., & Van der Lans, I. A. (2007). Consumer perceptions of nutrition and health claims. Appetite, 48(3), 305–324.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Varela, P., Ares, G., Giménez, A., & Gámbaro, A. (2010). Influence of brand information on consumers’ expectations and liking of powdered drinks in central location tests. Food Quality and Preference, 21(7), 873–880.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Verhagen, H., Vos, E., Francl, S., Heinonen, M., & van Loveren, H. (2010). Status of nutrition and health claims in Europe. Archives of Biochemistry and Biophysics, 501(1), 6–15.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Wansik, B., & Chandon, P. (2006). Can “low-fat” nutrition labels lead to obesity. Journal of Marketing Research, American Marketing Association, XLIII, 605–617.

    Google Scholar 

  • Williams, P. (2005). Consumer understanding and use of health claims for foods. Nutrition Reviews, 63(7), 256–264.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wills, J. M., Bonsmann, S. S. G., Kolka, M., & Grunert, K. G. (2012). European consumers and health claims: Attitudes, understanding and purchasing behaviour. Proceedings of the Nutrition Society, 71(2), 229–236. doi:10.1017/s0029665112000043.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Worsley, A. (1996). Which nutrition information do shoppers want on food labels? Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 5(2), 70–78.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy

    Angela Tarabella & Barbara Burchi

Authors
  1. Angela Tarabella
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Barbara Burchi
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Angela Tarabella .

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2016 The Author(s)

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Tarabella, A., Burchi, B. (2016). Literature Analysis on Consumer Understanding of Nutrition Information. In: Aware Food Choices: Bridging the Gap Between Consumer Knowledge About Nutritional Requirements and Nutritional Information. SpringerBriefs in Food, Health, and Nutrition. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-23856-2_2

Download citation

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation