Determining how low-income food shoppers perceive, understand, and use food labels

A facilitated group discussion approach was used to explore how a group of eight low-income consumers perceive, understand, and use the current food label for food-shopping decisions. Meeting for one hour on three consecutive weeks in a community facility, the group discussed the total food package, the ingredient list alone and in combination with the nutrition-information panel, and nutrition claims. All sessions were recorded and later transcribed verbatim. Through inductive analysis, three broad categories (brand name, package feature, and nutrition-related information) and numerous underlying themes emerged from the data; a theoretical framework was proposed to explain the data and provide future direction. A number of barriers to effective use of the food label were identified, and some actionable tips for dietetic practice were suggested.