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Consumer effects of front-of-package nutrition labeling: an interdisciplinary meta-analysis

Author

Listed:
  • Iina Ikonen

    (Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam)

  • Francesca Sotgiu

    (Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam)

  • Aylin Aydinli

    (Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam)

  • Peeter W. J. Verlegh

    (Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam)

Abstract

As consumers continue to struggle with issues related to unhealthy consumption, the goal of front-of-package (FOP) nutrition labels is to provide nutrition information in more understandable formats. The marketplace is filled with different FOP labels, but their true effects remain unclear, as does which label works best to change perceptions and behaviors. We address these issues through an interdisciplinary meta-analysis, generalizing the findings of 114 articles on the impact of FOP labels on outcomes such as consumers’ ability to identify healthier options, product perceptions, purchase behavior, and consumption. The results show that, although FOP labels help consumers to identify healthier products, their ability to nudge consumers toward healthier choices is more limited. Importantly, FOP labels may lead to halo effects, positively influencing not only virtue but also vice products, e.g., interpretive nutrient-specific labels improve health perceptions of both vice and virtue products, yet they influence only the purchase intention of virtues.

Suggested Citation

  • Iina Ikonen & Francesca Sotgiu & Aylin Aydinli & Peeter W. J. Verlegh, 2020. "Consumer effects of front-of-package nutrition labeling: an interdisciplinary meta-analysis," Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science, Springer, vol. 48(3), pages 360-383, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:joamsc:v:48:y:2020:i:3:d:10.1007_s11747-019-00663-9
    DOI: 10.1007/s11747-019-00663-9
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    References listed on IDEAS

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