Can serving-size labels reduce the portion-size effect? A pilot study

Area of Science:

• Behavioral Science
• Nutrition Science
• Psychology

Background:

• The portion-size effect demonstrates that larger food portions increase consumption.
• Objective serving-size information can mitigate external food cue influences on eating behavior.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate if objective serving-size information reduces the portion-size effect.
• To determine the impact of specific serving size labels on food intake.

Main Methods:

• 100 female participants completed a pizza taste test.
• Large pizza portions were unlabeled, labeled as 'Contains 2 servings,' or 'Contains 4 servings'.
• Food intake was measured for small and large portion conditions.

Main Results:

• Food intake was lower when the large portion was labeled 'Contains 4 servings' versus 'Contains 2 servings'.
• Intake in the large portion/4 servings condition matched intake in the small portion condition.
• The portion-size effect was absent when the large portion was labeled as 'Contains 4 servings'.

Conclusions:

• Providing serving-size information can effectively reduce the portion-size effect.
• The specific quantity of serving-size information, not just its presence, is crucial for influencing food intake.