Menu Labels for Food Preferences

This trial aims to examine how different environmental labels on fast-food menus influence people's meal choices. Participants will view online menus from burger and sandwich restaurants featuring one of five label types, such as "Low Environmental Harm" or "High Environmental Harm." The study will track how these labels affect the healthiness and environmental friendliness of selected meals. Ideal participants are U.S. residents who belong to the Verasight Panel. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to contribute to understanding how environmental information can promote healthier and more sustainable eating habits.

The trial does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It seems unlikely, as the study focuses on menu labels and meal choices.

Research has shown that using menu labels to highlight the environmental impact of food choices is generally safe. These labels do not involve drugs or medical procedures, making them non-invasive. Studies have found that climate labels on restaurant menus can encourage people to choose more environmentally friendly and healthier foods. For instance, one study found that labeling burgers with "high climate impact" led to a 23% increase in choosing non-beef options. Another study suggested that traffic-light labels can reduce the selection of meat dishes by 9.2%. These findings indicate that menu labels are well-received and can positively influence food choices without causing harm.¹²³⁴⁵

Researchers are excited about this trial because it explores how different types of menu labels can influence food choices based on their environmental impact. Unlike traditional approaches that focus solely on nutritional information or calorie counts, these labels highlight the ecological consequences of food production, such as the use of cropland, pastureland, and water. By using clear and visually distinct labels—ranging from simple "LOW ENVIRONMENTAL HARM" and "HIGH ENVIRONMENTAL HARM" labels to detailed environmental grades and traffic light systems—this trial aims to see how consumers might change their eating habits when presented with information about the environmental footprint of their food. This could pave the way for more eco-conscious dining decisions, offering a novel method to encourage sustainable eating practices.

Research has shown that labels about environmental impact can help people make more eco-friendly food choices. In this trial, participants will encounter various labeling strategies. For instance, "Low Environmental Harm" labels may encourage selecting foods that benefit the planet, while "High Environmental Harm" labels might deter choosing less eco-friendly options. The trial also features Traffic Light labels, which use colors to indicate environmental impact, and Environmental Grade labels, which rank items from A to F, aiding consumers in making informed sustainability decisions. Overall, these labels are being tested for their effectiveness in promoting environmentally friendly food choices.⁶⁷⁸⁹¹⁰