Research

Adherence

Warning labels and traffic-light systems are equally effective in helping consumers identify the most healthful product among a set of options, outperforming the GDA system.

When comparing products, look for warning labels or traffic-light systems. Both help you quickly spot the healthiest option, whereas GDA labels (numbers/percentages) are harder to use for comparison. Choose the product with the fewest warnings or the most green lights.

GoodQualifiesHIGH confidence
Warnings and the traffic-light system performed equally well in the identification of the most healthful product.
Alejandra Arrúa et al. · Public Health Nutrition · 2017

Why this rating

Statistically significant difference between directive/semi-directive vs non-directive, with no significant difference between the two directive types.

Source

Warnings as a directive front-of-pack nutrition labelling scheme: comparison with the Guideline Daily Amount and traffic-light systems

Alejandra Arrúa et al. · Public Health Nutrition · 2017

cross_sectional · n=419Cited 186×
Read the paper

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 →