Nutri-Score and NutrInform Battery: Effects on Performance and Preference in Italian Consumers

Area of Science:

• Nutrition Science
• Consumer Behavior
• Public Health Policy

Background:

• Front-of-pack labels (FoPLs) are key public health tools to guide consumers towards healthier food options.
• The European Commission proposed a mandatory FoPL for all EU countries in May 2020.
• Two prominent FoPL formats are Nutri-Score (interpretive) and NutrInform Battery (non-interpretive).

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the performance and consumer preference of Nutri-Score versus NutrInform Battery among Italian consumers.
• To assess the impact of each FoPL on objective understanding, purchase intention, and perception of food products.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of interpretive versus non-interpretive labeling systems in promoting healthier food choices.

Main Methods:

• An experimental study involving 1064 Italian adults in 2021.
• Participants were randomized to view either Nutri-Score or NutrInform Battery labels.
• Online questionnaires assessed understanding, purchase intention, and perception across breakfast products, cereals, and fats, analyzed using logistic regressions and t-tests.

Main Results:

• Nutri-Score significantly outperformed NutrInform Battery in enabling participants to identify nutritionally favorable products across all food categories.
• Participants using Nutri-Score showed a higher intention to purchase healthier products (OR = 5.29) compared to those using NutrInform Battery.
• Nutri-Score also increased purchase intention for specific products like olive oil (OR = 1.92).

Conclusions:

• The interpretive Nutri-Score system is more effective than the non-interpretive NutrInform Battery for guiding Italian consumers toward healthier food choices.
• Mandatory FoPLs, particularly interpretive ones like Nutri-Score, can enhance consumer understanding and promote healthier purchasing behaviors.
• Policy implications suggest favoring interpretive FoPLs for public health initiatives in the EU food market.