Researchers tested two different ways to label packaged foods to see which one helps people make healthier choices at the grocery store. They compared a detailed scoring system (Food Compass Score) with a simpler yes-or-no FDA healthy label. Both labels encouraged shoppers to pick healthier products, but the detailed scoring system worked even better. The study involved 275 adults shopping at real supermarkets in Massachusetts, and their actual purchases were tracked. These findings could help stores and food companies decide which labels work best to help people eat better.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Do different types of food labels on packages help people choose healthier snacks when shopping?
  • Who participated: 275 adults (average age 55, mostly women) shopping at real supermarkets in Massachusetts between July and November 2023. The group was diverse and represented different neighborhoods.
  • Key finding: Both types of labels helped people buy healthier products and avoid unhealthy ones. The detailed scoring system (1-100 scale) worked about 1.75 times better than the simpler yes-or-no label at encouraging healthy purchases.
  • What it means for you: If your grocery store adds these labels to products, they may help you make better food choices without requiring much extra effort. The detailed scoring system appears more effective, though even the simpler label helps. This is most useful if you’re trying to improve your snacking habits.

The Research Details

This was a real-world experiment conducted in actual supermarkets. Researchers recruited 275 shoppers and randomly assigned them to see one of two types of labels while shopping. Some shoppers saw the Food Compass Score (a number from 1-100, where higher is healthier), while others saw the FDA healthy label (a simple yes-or-no indicator). Each shopper faced 12 different shopping scenarios where they could choose between three snack products or buy nothing. Importantly, their choices led to actual purchases, not just pretend shopping. Researchers recorded what people actually bought and asked how much they’d be willing to pay for different features.

The study was designed to mimic real shopping as closely as possible. Participants made genuine purchasing decisions in familiar supermarket environments across three different store chains in diverse Massachusetts neighborhoods. This approach is stronger than asking people hypothetical questions because it measures what people actually do, not just what they say they’d do.

Testing labels in real stores with real money at stake is much more reliable than laboratory studies. People often behave differently when they’re actually shopping versus when researchers ask them questions. By tracking actual purchases, this study shows which labels truly influence buying decisions in everyday life. This information helps policymakers and companies understand what really works to help people eat healthier.

This study has several strengths: it used real shopping situations with actual purchases, randomly assigned people to different label types (reducing bias), and included a diverse group of shoppers. The study was published in JAMA Network Open, a reputable medical journal. However, the study only looked at snack foods in one state, and most participants were older (median age 55). Results might differ for other types of foods or in different regions. The study also didn’t follow people over time to see if label effects last.

What the Results Show

Both labels significantly improved healthy food choices. When shoppers saw the Food Compass Score (1-100 scale), they bought healthier products 11.2 more times per 100 shopping choices compared to no label. When they saw the FDA healthy label, they bought healthier products 6.4 more times per 100 choices. This means both labels work, but the detailed scoring system was about 75% more effective.

Both labels also reduced unhealthy purchases. With the Food Compass Score, unhealthy purchases dropped by 7.2 per 100 choices. With the FDA label, unhealthy purchases dropped by 6.3 per 100 choices. These reductions were similar between the two labels.

An interesting additional finding: the Food Compass Score reduced the number of times people bought nothing. When shoppers saw this label, they were more likely to actually make a purchase rather than leave empty-handed. The FDA label didn’t have this effect. This suggests the detailed scoring system not only guides people toward healthier choices but also encourages them to buy something rather than skip the purchase entirely.

The study also measured willingness to pay for different product features, though specific results weren’t detailed in the abstract. The fact that both labels influenced actual purchasing behavior (not just stated preferences) is significant because it shows these labels have real-world impact. The consistent effects across different store locations and neighborhoods suggest the findings aren’t limited to one specific area or store type.

Previous research has shown that front-of-package labels can influence food choices, but this is one of the first studies comparing the newer FDA healthy label directly with a more detailed scoring system in real shopping situations. The finding that detailed scoring works better than simple yes-or-no labels aligns with some previous research suggesting that more information helps consumers make better decisions, though other studies have found simple labels are easier to understand. This study adds important evidence that the detailed approach may be more effective for changing actual purchasing behavior.

The study only included snack foods, so results may not apply to other food categories like fresh produce or frozen meals. All participants shopped in Massachusetts, so results might differ in other regions with different populations or food availability. The study didn’t track people over time, so we don’t know if label effects last weeks or months or if people get used to the labels and stop paying attention. Most participants were older (average age 55) and female (64%), so results might be different for younger shoppers or men. The study also didn’t examine how people with different education levels or health knowledge responded to the labels.

The Bottom Line

If food labels with detailed scoring systems (like Food Compass Score) become available at your store, they appear moderately helpful for choosing healthier snacks. Even simpler yes-or-no healthy labels provide some benefit. These labels work best as one tool among others—combine them with reading ingredient lists and nutrition facts panels. Confidence level: Moderate (based on one well-designed study in real stores, but limited to snack foods).

Anyone trying to make healthier snacking choices will likely benefit from these labels. People who find detailed information helpful (like those who enjoy comparing numbers) may prefer the Food Compass Score. People who prefer simple, quick decisions might find the yes-or-no FDA label easier to use. These findings are most relevant for snack foods; effects on other food categories are unknown. People with very limited time for shopping decisions might find even simple labels helpful.

The study measured immediate purchasing decisions, so benefits should appear right away when you see the labels. However, the study didn’t track long-term effects, so it’s unclear whether the benefits last for weeks or months. You might see the biggest impact in your first few shopping trips as you learn to use the labels. Over time, you may develop habits that stick even without the labels.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track the Food Compass Score (or FDA healthy status) of snack foods you purchase weekly. Set a goal to increase the percentage of snacks with scores above 70 (or FDA healthy label) by 10-20% each month. Log the score of each snack purchase to build awareness.
  • When browsing snack options in your app’s food database, enable the Food Compass Score filter to show only products scoring 70 or higher. Before adding a snack to your shopping list, check its score in the app. Set reminders to check labels before purchasing snacks at the store.
  • Create a weekly report showing the average Food Compass Score of snacks purchased. Track the ratio of healthy to unhealthy snack purchases. Monitor whether you’re making more intentional purchases (versus buying nothing) when labels are visible. Compare your snack quality scores month-to-month to see if your choices improve over time.

This research shows that food labels can help guide purchasing decisions toward healthier snacks, but labels are just one tool for healthy eating. They should not replace personalized advice from your doctor or registered dietitian, especially if you have specific health conditions, allergies, or dietary restrictions. The study focused on snack foods in one region, so results may not apply to all foods or all populations. Individual responses to labels vary, and labels alone cannot guarantee weight loss or improved health outcomes. Always consult healthcare professionals before making significant dietary changes.