Adherence
Interpretive front-of-package labels (Nutri-Score, Multiple Traffic Lights, Health Star Rating, Warning symbol) significantly improve consumers' objective ability to rank food products by nutritional quality compared to no label, with summary graded labels (Nutri-Score) outperforming nutrient-specific numeric labels (Reference Intakes).
Choose products with interpretive front-of-package labels (like Nutri-Score or Traffic Lights) over those with only numeric Reference Intakes. These labels make it significantly easier to correctly identify healthier options, especially for complex items like cakes and cereals. The summary graded design (e.g., A-E scale) is more effective than raw nutrient data.
In the present study, all five FoPLs significantly improved the ability of individuals to rank products according to their nutritional quality, but with notable differences across FoPL types. Compared to the RIs, which emerged as the least effective FoPL, the Nutri-Score produced the highest improvement in ranking ability, followed by the MTL, HSR, and Warning symbol.
Why this rating
Large-scale randomized experimental study across 12 countries with >12,000 participants.
Source
Objective Understanding of Front-of-Package Nutrition Labels: An International Comparative Experimental Study across 12 Countries
Manon Egnell et al. · Nutrients · 2018
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