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The effect of mental availability on snack food choices

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  • Stocchi, Dr Lara
  • Kemps, Eva
  • Anesbury, Dr Zachary

Abstract

This research evaluates how mental availability affects consumer choice of specific branded packaged snacks versus unbranded non-packaged snacks. Mental availability captures the probability of concepts coming to mind when making decisions. Concepts nested within a broad network of memory associations (e.g., those created by marketing for branded packaged goods) are more likely to come to mind and be chosen - potentially disadvantaging unbranded non-packaged foods. However, our research shows that some unbranded non-packaged snacks actually have greater mental availability and are more likely to be chosen, countering concerns over the detrimental effect of marketing food and inadvertently encouraging sub-optimal choices. The effect of mental availability holds when taking into account established drivers of snack food choice, such as hunger, self-control and past behavior.

Suggested Citation

  • Stocchi, Dr Lara & Kemps, Eva & Anesbury, Dr Zachary, 2021. "The effect of mental availability on snack food choices," Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, Elsevier, vol. 60(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:joreco:v:60:y:2021:i:c:s0969698921000370
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jretconser.2021.102471
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