Adherence
The Multiple Traffic Light (MTL) front-of-package labeling system is the most effective existing labeling format for helping consumers correctly identify healthier food products compared to other systems like %Daily Intake or monochrome labels.
Look for products with a Multiple Traffic Light (MTL) label. The green lights indicate lower levels of fat, sugar, and sodium, while red lights indicate higher levels. This system is currently the most reliable visual tool for quickly identifying healthier options on the shelf, more so than labels that just show percentages or simple checkmarks.
The findings indicate that the Multiple Traffic Light system has most consistently helped consumers identify healthier products
Why this rating
Based on a review of 28 studies, including multiple controlled experiments and large-scale shopper surveys, though real-world sales impact is mixed.
Source
The science on front-of-package food labels
Kristy L. Hawley et al. · Public Health Nutrition · 2012
This is one finding among thousands. Every one is graded and traced to its source, so you can see what the evidence actually supports. Browse the research →