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Errors as a Means of Reducing Impulsive Food Choice
Published on: June 5, 2016
Do calorie-controlled portion sizes of snacks reduce energy intake?
Nanette Stroebele1, Lorraine G Ogden1, James O Hill1
1Center for Human Nutrition, University of Colorado Denver, 4200 E 9th Avenue, C263, Denver, CO 80262, United States.
Appetite
|June 9, 2009
Summary
Portion-controlled snack packaging significantly reduced weekly snack intake by 186.9 grams. Initial exposure to smaller packages may increase awareness, leading to reduced consumption even with larger packages later.
Area of Science:
- Nutrition Science
- Behavioral Economics
Background:
- Dietary intake and portion control are critical factors in weight management and public health.
- Understanding the impact of packaging on food consumption is essential for developing effective dietary interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of portion-controlled packaging (100 kcal snack packs) versus standard-sized packages on snack consumption.
- To determine if initial exposure to portion-controlled packaging influences subsequent intake from standard-sized packages.
Main Methods:
- A randomized, crossover study design involving 59 participants.
- Participants received either 100 kcal snack packs or standard-sized packages for one week, followed by a one-week washout period, and then the alternative package type for another week.
- Snack consumption was self-recorded in daily diaries.
Main Results:
- Participants consumed an average of 186.9 fewer grams of snacks weekly with 100 kcal packs compared to standard packages.
- The effect of package size was influenced by randomization order and study week.
- While week 1 showed significant differences, week 2 consumption did not differ significantly, indicating a potential carryover effect from portion-controlled packaging.
Conclusions:
- Portion-controlled packaging effectively reduces total intake of provided snacks.
- Exposure to portion-controlled packaging may enhance portion size awareness, leading to reduced consumption even when larger packages are subsequently offered.
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