Nutrients

Editorial

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3 pages, 196 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Front-of-Pack Nutrition Labelling Schemes: Where Are We Now?

by Antonis Zampelas

Nutrients 2023, 15(18), 4001; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15184001 - 15 Sep 2023

Viewed by 1346

Abstract

The development of nutritional policies plays a vital role in health promotion [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Impact of Front of Pack Nutrition Label on Nutritional Behavior)

Research

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13 pages, 294 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Understanding and Use of Nutrition Labels of Prepackaged Food by University Students: A Cross-Sectional Study in Chongqing, China

by Hao Wei, Ke Jiang, Boya Liu, Zhichuan Hu, Yong Zhao, Hong Xu, Manoj Sharma and Chuan Pu

Nutrients 2022, 14(19), 4189; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14194189 - 8 Oct 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3423

Abstract

Object: The correct use of nutrition labels for prepackaged food helps university students develop healthy eating habits and prevent the occurrence of chronic non-communicable diseases. This study evaluates the understanding and use of nutrition labels of prepackaged food by university students in four [...] Read more.

Object: The correct use of nutrition labels for prepackaged food helps university students develop healthy eating habits and prevent the occurrence of chronic non-communicable diseases. This study evaluates the understanding and use of nutrition labels of prepackaged food by university students in four different fields of study in Chongqing, China. Methods: This cross-sectional study used an online survey platform conducted in July 2022 in colleges and universities in Chongqing, China. The convenience sampling method was used to select students in four different fields of study, including medicine, humanities, science and technology, and arts and sports. Ten questions were used to assess participants’ understanding of nutrition labels. A score of six or above (60%) indicates that the respondent has a basic understanding of the nutritional labels of prepackaged food. Descriptive statistics and generalized linear models (GLMs) were used to assess participants’ understanding and use of nutrition labels for prepackaged foods and their influencing factors. Results: A total of 1262 valid questionnaires was collected. The average age of the participants was 21.8 years (SD: 2.43), 50.1% were male, 80.8% were ethnic Han, and 50.9% were from rural areas. Only 21.3% of the university students in Chongqing had a good understanding of the nutrition labels of prepackaged food, where medical students were the highest (39.9%) and science and engineering students were the lowest (15.6%). Gender, ethnicity, grade, major, and whether received courses related to nutrition were influential factors in the understanding and use of nutrition labels of prepackaged food. Medical students also had more positive attitudes toward nutritional labels of prepackaged food. Conclusions: Understanding and use of nutrition labels for prepackaged food by university students in Chongqing are unsatisfactory. Student’s major was a significant influencing factor in nutrition label comprehension, with medical students having the greatest understanding. Based on these results, we suggest that nutrition and health courses should be popularized among non-medical students to narrow the differences between different fields of study. For university students in all fields of study, education and publicity of nutrition labels of prepackaged food are needed, not only in the classroom but also in daily life. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Impact of Front of Pack Nutrition Label on Nutritional Behavior)

13 pages, 1788 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Perception and Understanding of Guideline Daily Amount and Warning Labeling among Mexican Adults during the Law Modification Period

by Ismael Campos-Nonato, Manuel A. Cervantes-Armenta, Selene Pacheco-Miranda, Amado D. Quezada-Sánchez, Alejandra Contreras-Manzano, Simón Barquera and Jorge Vargas-Meza

Nutrients 2022, 14(16), 3403; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14163403 - 18 Aug 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3000

Abstract

Front-of-pack labeling (FOPL) is a tool that enables consumers to compare foods and select healthier options. Due to low understanding of the Guideline Daily Amount (GDA) labeling among Mexicans, a law was implemented in October 2020 that modified the FOPL to a warning [...] Read more.

Front-of-pack labeling (FOPL) is a tool that enables consumers to compare foods and select healthier options. Due to low understanding of the Guideline Daily Amount (GDA) labeling among Mexicans, a law was implemented in October 2020 that modified the FOPL to a warning labeling (WL) system. The purpose of this study was to compare the perception and understanding of GDA and WL during the law modification period. We conducted a panel design with two measurements: (1) using GDA label (September 2020) and (2) using WL (October–November). We estimated differences in GDA vs. WL through multinomial logistic regression models and changes were measured through predictive margin contrasts and Wald tests. When comparing the same products with different labels, the participants reported that it would be unlikely/very unlikely that they would consume products packaged with the WL (81.5%; 95%CI: 79.2, 83.8) compared to those with GDA (24.2%; 95%CI: 21.7, 26.7). Consumers’ perception was that the quantities of packaged products they should consume was small or very small when they used the WL (93.8%; 95%CI: 92.4, 95.5) compared to GDA (41.6%; 95%CI: 39.7, 44.6). When comparing food groups, participants were more confident about choosing healthy products when using the WL compared to the GDA. During the implementation of WL in Mexico, the studied population had a better perception and understanding of less healthy packaged foods when using WL, compared to the GDA label. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Impact of Front of Pack Nutrition Label on Nutritional Behavior)

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17 pages, 2614 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Labels Affect Food Choices, but in What Ways?

by Swen J. Kühne, Ester Reijnen, Gracinda Granja and Rachel S. Hansen

Nutrients 2022, 14(15), 3204; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14153204 - 5 Aug 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3887

Abstract

To reduce obesity and thus promote healthy food choices, front-of-pack (FOP) labels have been introduced. Though FOP labels help identify healthy foods, their impact on actual food choices is rather small. A newly developed so-called swipe task was used to investigate whether the [...] Read more.

To reduce obesity and thus promote healthy food choices, front-of-pack (FOP) labels have been introduced. Though FOP labels help identify healthy foods, their impact on actual food choices is rather small. A newly developed so-called swipe task was used to investigate whether the type of label used (summary vs. nutrient-specific) had differential effects on different operationalizations of the “healthier choice” measure (e.g., calories and sugar). After learning about the product offerings of a small online store, observers (N = 354) could, by means of a swipe gesture, purchase the products they needed for a weekend with six people. Observers were randomly assigned to one of five conditions, two summary label conditions (Nutri-Score and HFL), two nutrient (sugar)-specific label conditions (manga and comic), or a control condition without a label. Unexpectedly, more products (+7.3 products)—albeit mostly healthy ones—and thus more calories (+1732 kcal) were purchased in the label conditions than in the control condition. Furthermore, the tested labels had different effects with respect to the different operationalizations (e.g., manga reduced sugar purchase). We argue that the additional green-labeled healthy products purchased (in label conditions) “compensate” for the purchase of red-labeled unhealthy products (see averaging bias and licensing effect). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Impact of Front of Pack Nutrition Label on Nutritional Behavior)

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11 pages, 277 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Nutri-Score: Awareness, Perception and Self-Reported Impact on Food Choices among French Adolescents

by Pauline Ducrot, Chantal Julia and Anne-Juliette Serry

Nutrients 2022, 14(15), 3119; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14153119 - 29 Jul 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 4040

Abstract

To date, no studies have evaluated the appropriation of the front-of-pack Nutri-Score labeling among adolescents, although they are both consumers and buyers of food products. Therefore, the objectives of the present study were (1) to assess Nutri-Score awareness, perception and self-reported impact on [...] Read more.

To date, no studies have evaluated the appropriation of the front-of-pack Nutri-Score labeling among adolescents, although they are both consumers and buyers of food products. Therefore, the objectives of the present study were (1) to assess Nutri-Score awareness, perception and self-reported impact on food choices in French adolescents and (2) to identify the determinants associated with higher Nutri-Score awareness and self-reported impact on food choices. A web-based survey was conducted in November 2021 among 1201 adolescents. Multivariate logistic models were used to evaluate the relationships between individual factors and Nutri-Score awareness and self-reported impact on food choices. Almost all the adolescents reported to know the Nutri-Score (97.0%) and more than 9 out of 10 considered this logo easy to understand and easy to identify on food packages. Finally, 54% self-reported that the label had already impacted their food choices. Girls (2.28 (1.09–4.77), p = 0.028) and the 15–17-year-olds (3.12 (1.32–7.35), p = 0.0094) were more likely to be aware of the label compared with their respective counterparts (i.e., boys and the 11–14-year-olds). Regarding the impact of food choices, the use of the Nutri-Score by the parents was the most determinant criterion (7.74 (5.74–10.42), p < 0.0001). Thus, promotion campaigns should target both adolescents and parents. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Impact of Front of Pack Nutrition Label on Nutritional Behavior)

14 pages, 3124 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Perception of Portuguese Consumers Regarding Food Labeling

by Bruna Silva, João P. M. Lima, Ana Lúcia Baltazar, Ezequiel Pinto and Sónia Fialho

Nutrients 2022, 14(14), 2944; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14142944 - 19 Jul 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3163

Abstract

Food labels are the first information tool used by consumers in the purchase and consumption of food products. Food labeling is a tool that can influence the consumers’ perception of quality and, in turn, their food choice. This study characterizes and demonstrates the [...] Read more.

Food labels are the first information tool used by consumers in the purchase and consumption of food products. Food labeling is a tool that can influence the consumers’ perception of quality and, in turn, their food choice. This study characterizes and demonstrates the importance of labeling and the degree of consumers’ perception and literacy about food labels through the application of an online questionnaire. The results obtained, in a sample of n = 467, showed that Portuguese consumers have the habit of reading the label and recognizing its importance but do not understand all the information contained in the label. They have an easier time understanding the front-of-pack labeling systems, especially those presented through symbols/colors. Thus, it demonstrates the need for greater education and literacy in the areas of food and nutrition so that through the reading and interpretation of labels, consumers can make informed food choices. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Impact of Front of Pack Nutrition Label on Nutritional Behavior)

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23 pages, 2511 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Healthy or Not Healthy? A Mixed-Methods Approach to Evaluate Front-of-Pack Nutrition Labels as a Tool to Guide Consumers

by Melvi Todd, Timothy Guetterman, Jako Volschenk, Martin Kidd and Elizabeth Joubert

Nutrients 2022, 14(14), 2801; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14142801 - 8 Jul 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 4012

Abstract

This study explored how South African food labels could be improved, to enhance customer evaluation of the overall healthiness of packaged food. Focus was given to the comparison of front-of-pack (FOP) nutrition labels as a quick assessment tool. The exploratory sequential mixed-methods design [...] Read more.

This study explored how South African food labels could be improved, to enhance customer evaluation of the overall healthiness of packaged food. Focus was given to the comparison of front-of-pack (FOP) nutrition labels as a quick assessment tool. The exploratory sequential mixed-methods design used qualitative interviews (n = 49) to gain insight into labeling challenges and select FOP nutrition labels for consumer testing. Consumers (n = 1261) randomly assessed two out of six possible FOP nutrition labels relative to a ‘no-label’ control in one of 12 online surveys, applied to a fictitious cereal product. A mixed-model analysis of variance was used to compare the differences in health ratings for the different FOP nutrition labels. The interviews revealed three themes for label improvement, that are presented over three time horizons. In terms of helping consumers identify less healthy products, the effect sizes were most prominent for health warnings (p < 0.01) and low health star ratings (p < 0.01). The findings of this research not only clarify whether FOP nutrition labeling formats used in other regions such as Europe, South America and Australia could be useful in the South African context, but they can assist policymakers and decision-makers in selecting an effective FOP label. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Impact of Front of Pack Nutrition Label on Nutritional Behavior)

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14 pages, 303 KiB

Open AccessArticle

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

by Marta Sajdakowska, Jerzy Gębski, Aleksandra Wardaszka and Anita Wieczorek

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

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2682

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 [...] Read more.

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. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Impact of Front of Pack Nutrition Label on Nutritional Behavior)

15 pages, 1985 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Digital Food Labels on Healthy Food Choices in Online Grocery Shopping

by Klaus L. Fuchs, Jie Lian, Leonard Michels, Simon Mayer, Enrico Toniato and Verena Tiefenbeck

Nutrients 2022, 14(10), 2044; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14102044 - 13 May 2022

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 5527

Abstract

In order to induce the shift in consumer behavior necessary for the mitigation of diet-related diseases, front-of-package labels (FoPL) such as the Nutri-Score that support consumers in their efforts to identify nutritionally valuable products during grocery shopping have been found to be effective; [...] Read more.

In order to induce the shift in consumer behavior necessary for the mitigation of diet-related diseases, front-of-package labels (FoPL) such as the Nutri-Score that support consumers in their efforts to identify nutritionally valuable products during grocery shopping have been found to be effective; however, they remain non-compulsory in most regions. Counter-intuitively, a similar stream of research on digital web-based FoPL does not yet exist, even though such digital labels hold several advantages over physical labels. Digital FoPL can provide scalable and personalized interventions, are easier to implement than physical labels, and are especially timely due to the recent increase in online grocery shopping. The goal of this study was to demonstrate the technical feasibility and intervention potential of novel, scalable, and passively triggered health behavior interventions distributed via easy-to-install web browser extensions designed to support healthy food choices via the inclusion of digital FoPL in online supermarkets. To that end, we developed a Chrome web browser extension for a real online supermarket and evaluated the effect of this digital food label intervention (i.e., display of the Nutri-Score next to visible products) on the nutritional quality of individuals’ weekly grocery shopping in a randomized controlled laboratory trial (N = 135). Compared to the control group, individuals exposed to the intervention chose products with a higher nutritional quality (e.g., 8% higher healthy trolley index (HETI), 3.3% less sugar, 7.5% less saturated fat). In particular, users with low food literacy seemed to benefit from the digital FoPL (e.g., 11% higher HETI, 10.5% less sugar, 5.5% less saturated fat). Furthermore, participants exposed to the food label advocated its introduction more strongly than the control group (p = 0.081). Consumers worldwide could easily install such applications to display digital food labels on their end devices, and would thus not have to wait for stakeholders in the food industry to eventually reach consensus on mandatory food label introduction. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Impact of Front of Pack Nutrition Label on Nutritional Behavior)

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16 pages, 649 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Warning Labels on Consumer Motivation and Intention to Avoid Consuming Processed Foods

by Cristian Adasme-Berríos, Luís Aliaga-Ortega, Berta Schnettler, Manuel Parada, Yocelin Andaur, Constanza Carreño, Germán Lobos, Roberto Jara-Rojas and Rodrigo Valdes

Nutrients 2022, 14(8), 1547; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14081547 - 8 Apr 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3796

Abstract

Nutritional warnings (NWs) as a front-of-package label were implemented as a public policy aiding consumers with recognizing processed foods with high levels of critical nutrients (sodium, saturated fats, carbohydrates, and calories). However, in spite of this tool being well positioned in consumer decision [...] Read more.

Nutritional warnings (NWs) as a front-of-package label were implemented as a public policy aiding consumers with recognizing processed foods with high levels of critical nutrients (sodium, saturated fats, carbohydrates, and calories). However, in spite of this tool being well positioned in consumer decision making, there is little extant knowledge about the relationship between the message sent by NW, nutritional knowledge, consumer motivation, and the intention to avoid consuming processed foods. To understand these dimensions’ relations, a theoretical model was created and subsequently tested through structural equations. We applied a survey to 807 home food purchasing decision makers. The results show that the direct effect of NW messages raises the intention to avoid processed foods, while eating motivation is negative in its direct effect on the same avoidance intention. However, the message sent by NWs had a mediating effect between the intentions to avoid processed food and eating motivation but showed no such effect on nutritional knowledge. This suggests that the message sent by NWs was able to turn negative eating motivation into positive eating motivation to avoid processed foods. In conclusion, NWs help mitigate eating motivations, as well as boost the intention to avoid processed foods. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Impact of Front of Pack Nutrition Label on Nutritional Behavior)

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19 pages, 1940 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Labelling Assessment of Greek “Quality Label” Prepacked Cheeses as the Basis for a Branded Food Composition Database

by Evangelia Katsouri, Antonios Zampelas, Eleftherios H. Drosinos and George-John E. Nychas

Nutrients 2022, 14(1), 230; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14010230 - 5 Jan 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3489

Abstract

A labelling assessment study of Greek prepacked “quality label” cheeses was conducted with a view to provide an overview of the whole category. In total, 158 prepacked products belonging to 19 “quality label” cheeses were identified in the Greek market. Among them, Feta [...] Read more.

A labelling assessment study of Greek prepacked “quality label” cheeses was conducted with a view to provide an overview of the whole category. In total, 158 prepacked products belonging to 19 “quality label” cheeses were identified in the Greek market. Among them, Feta had the highest share followed by Kasseri, Graviera Kritis, Kefalograviera and Ladotyri Mitilinis with 81, 16, 15, 11 and 9 products found in the market, respectively. For the rest of the 14 cheeses, the share was limited, ranging from 1 to 4. All labelling indications, nutritional information, claims and other labelling data were recorded and analysed in relation to their compliance against European food law requirements. The results of the analysis showed that for only 6 of the 19 cheeses, all products fully complied with EU labelling legislation. Among the 14 mandatory labelling requirements, the lowest overall compliance was observed for allergens declaration (65%). The analysis of the nutritional data showed a remarkable variability between cheeses and products. Differences in the nutritional characteristics were more pronounced among soft, semi-hard, hard and whey cheese. The above data were entered into an archival database. Application of global harmonisation and standardisation guidelines and tools lead to the initialisation of a branded food composition database (BFCD), conceptualising a specialised database for “quality label” foods. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Impact of Front of Pack Nutrition Label on Nutritional Behavior)

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16 pages, 1918 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Online Consumer Survey Comparing Different Front-of-Pack Labels in Greece

by Lamprini Kontopoulou, George Karpetas, Εvangelos C. Fradelos, Ioanna V. Papathanasiou, Foteini Malli, Dimitrios Papagiannis, Dimitrios Mantzaris, Morgane Fialon, Chantal Julia and Konstantinos I. Gourgoulianis

Nutrients 2022, 14(1), 46; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14010046 - 23 Dec 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 4915

Abstract

According to the WHO, front-of-pack nutrition labeling provides simplified nutrition information in the form of symbols, colors or words that can help consumers understand the nutritional quality of food, thus leading them to healthier food choices. It is considered of the utmost importance [...] Read more.

According to the WHO, front-of-pack nutrition labeling provides simplified nutrition information in the form of symbols, colors or words that can help consumers understand the nutritional quality of food, thus leading them to healthier food choices. It is considered of the utmost importance to explore the knowledge and understanding of consumers about this form of nutrition labeling. The aim of this study was to investigate the understanding and perceptions of Greek consumers in response to five different front-of-pack nutrition labels (FoPLs): the Multiple Traffic Lights, Health Star Rating System, Guideline Daily Amounts, Warning Symbols and Nutri-Score. From April 2021 to June 2021, 1278 participants from Greece took part in an online survey where they were asked to rank three products according to their nutritional quality. The classification process was performed first without FoPLs and then with FoPLs. The ability to classify products according to their nutritional quality was evaluated with multinomial logistic regression models, and the Nutri-Score label presented greater improvements when compared to the GDA label for Greek consumers. The Nutri-Score seemed to better help the Greek consumers rank foods according to their nutritional value. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Impact of Front of Pack Nutrition Label on Nutritional Behavior)

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12 pages, 2247 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Nutri-Score: The Most Efficient Front-of-Pack Nutrition Label to Inform Portuguese Consumers on the Nutritional Quality of Foods and Help Them Identify Healthier Options in Purchasing Situations

by Francisco Goiana-da-Silva, David Cruz-e-Silva, Catarina Nobre-da-Costa, Alexandre Morais Nunes, Morgane Fialon, Manon Egnell, Pilar Galan, Chantal Julia, Zenobia Talati, Simone Pettigrew, Ara Darzi, Fernando Araújo and Serge Hercberg

Nutrients 2021, 13(12), 4335; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13124335 - 30 Nov 2021

Cited by 22 | Viewed by 8052

Abstract

Several studies have identified Front-of-Pack Nutrition Labels (FoPLs) as a promising strategy to improve the nutritional quality of consumers’ food choices and encourage manufacturers to offer healthier products. This study aims to fill the evidence gap regarding the most effective FoPL among the [...] Read more.

Several studies have identified Front-of-Pack Nutrition Labels (FoPLs) as a promising strategy to improve the nutritional quality of consumers’ food choices and encourage manufacturers to offer healthier products. This study aims to fill the evidence gap regarding the most effective FoPL among the Portuguese population. In total, 1059 Portuguese participants were recruited through a web panel provider and asked to declare their intended food choices and to rank three sets of products (pizza, cakes and breakfast cereals) according to their nutritional quality, first in the absence of any labelling, and then with a FoPL displayed on-pack (five FoPLs tested). Finally, participants were asked to answer nine statements related to perceptions of FoPLs. Results showed that participants improved their food choices, depending on the FoPL and the food category. All FoPLs led to a higher percentage of correct responses on the ranking task compared to the no label condition. The Nutri-Score was among the FoPLs producing the greatest improvement across all food categories compared to the reference intakes (OR = 6.45 [4.43–9.39], p-value < 0.0001) and facilitating the highest percentage to correctly rank products according to nutritional quality. This study suggests that, among the available options, Nutri-Score is the most efficient FoPL to inform Portuguese consumers of the nutritional quality of foods and help them identify healthier options in mock purchasing situations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Impact of Front of Pack Nutrition Label on Nutritional Behavior)

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16 pages, 1425 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Attitudes towards Olive Oil Usage, Domestic Storage, and Knowledge of Quality: A Consumers’ Survey in Greece

by Georgios Marakis, Fragiskos Gaitis, Spyridoula Mila, Dimitra Papadimitriou, Eirini Tsigarida, Zoe Mousia, Aggeliki Karpouza, Emmanuella Magriplis and Antonios Zampelas

Nutrients 2021, 13(11), 3709; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13113709 - 21 Oct 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 4204

Abstract

Consumption of unbranded olive oil obtained in bulk has previously been reported to be very high in Greece, underlining the need to investigate knowledge regarding its health attributes and storage practices, two areas that can affect oil quality. This study aimed to investigate [...] Read more.

Consumption of unbranded olive oil obtained in bulk has previously been reported to be very high in Greece, underlining the need to investigate knowledge regarding its health attributes and storage practices, two areas that can affect oil quality. This study aimed to investigate Greek consumers’ use and choice of olive oil, their knowledge about its quality, as well as domestic storage practices of olive oil. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in a representative sample of 857 Greek households that consume olive oil, using a previously validated questionnaire. Most participating households use olive oil produced by themselves or by their extended family or friends (60.3%), and only 27.4% purchase branded olive oil, while 57% reported using extra virgin olive oil (EVOO). Only 38.4% of the respondents reported optimal domestic storage practices to maintain olive oil quality, with a significant greater percentage of non-producers group compared to olive oil producers. In all areas of Greece, the higher the knowledge of olive oil quality, the higher the probability of consumers selecting EVOO and perceiving olive oil price as low. The present survey highlights the need to heighten consumers’ knowledge of olive oil attributes and correct storage practices and awareness about branded EVOO and its superior quality. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Impact of Front of Pack Nutrition Label on Nutritional Behavior)

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