Evaluation of Food Labelling the Products with Information Regarding the Level of Sugar: A Preliminary Study

Nutrients. 2022 Jun 29;14(13):2697. doi: 10.3390/nu14132697.

Abstract

The aim of this article is to explore the reasons for seeking selected information on a food label, with particular emphasis on certain information about sugar. In order to meet the aim, in 2020, a survey was conducted among consumers aged 18-45. Predictive models (Logistic Regression) were developed for noticing "light" products and reading food labels. The results of our study indicate that consumers are mainly discouraged from reading label information by a large amount of information, the lack of time, and a general reluctance to be interested in label information. When it comes to the factors that lead people to read label information, the naturalness of the product, its organic origin, and physical activity are important. Moreover, respondents who declared that they noticed products on the market defined as "light" were those who were interested in the naturalness of the product, but also consumers declaring that they have nutritional knowledge. The results of the study indicate the need to intensify information campaigns in order to emphasize how important it is for consumers to read the information on food labels. The amount and complexity of information currently appearing on the food label may unfortunately discourage consumers from reading it, so it is important to continuously improve this form of communication with the consumer.

Keywords: consumers; information on food label.

MeSH terms

  • Choice Behavior
  • Consumer Behavior
  • Food
  • Food Labeling*
  • Food Preferences
  • Humans
  • Product Labeling
  • Sugars*

Substances

  • Sugars

Grants and funding

The APC was funded by Polish Ministry of Science and Higher Education within funds of Institute of Human Nutrition Sciences and Faculty of Human Nutrition, Warsaw University of Life Sciences (WULS), for scientific research.