Consumers believe nutrition facts labeling for added sugar will be more helpful than confusing.

Abstract

Consumer beliefs regarding the usefulness of information about added sugars proposed for addition to the Nutrition Facts panel on U.S. food labeling were assessed. A representative sample of 500 U.S. adults was recruited in July 2014 for an anonymous, voluntary online survey. Respondents were shown a Nutrition Facts panel with added sugars included and were asked how helpful or confusing the added sugars information would be and why. A 5-point scale captured responses about helpfulness, and reasons were captured as free text. Descriptive statistics were calculated and multi-linear regression performed to determine whether any demographic variables were statistically significant predictors of survey responses. A clear majority (63%) of respondents indicated that knowing the amount of added sugar in a food product would be helpful. Relatively few (18%) thought it would be confusing. None of the demographic variables were statistically significant, with the exception of gender. Being female was a statistically significant predictor of how helpful the information was perceived to be (P < 0.03). Most consumers believed food labeling for added sugars will be more helpful than confusing.