Influence of Front Nutritional Labeling on Consumer Choices Related to Ultra-Processed Foods: Scoping Review

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study is to synthesize evidence related to the influence of frontal nutritional labeling on the consumption of ultra-processed foods.

METHODS: A scope review was conducted with the following development steps: 1) Definition and alignment of objectives and formulation of the research question; 2) Formulation of article selection criteria; 3) Search for articles in different databases; 4) Selection of articles according to established criteria; 5) Extraction of evidence; 6) Synthesis of evidence. The search in the databases resulted in the inclusion of 8 studies, published between 2014 and 2024, in English, Portuguese and Spanish. The intervention analyzed was the front nutritional labeling of foods, which included different types of labels, such as warning labels, nutritional traffic lights and simplified nutritional information labels.

RESULTS: The main study designs were observational, systematic, and scoping reviews. It was found that among more educated individuals, women and those with a partner, there is a greater influence of front nutritional labels on the decision to purchase ultra-processed foods. Factors such as education level and health awareness influenced consumers' response to labeling. The clarity and simplicity of the labels were crucial factors in helping with consumption decisions. The main results that emerged from the studies were the change in the choice of ultra-processed foods, the perception of nutritional content, purchase intention and actual food consumption. The acceptance and effectiveness of labels also vary in different cultural contexts. Studies in countries with robust public health policies have shown better results compared to countries with fewer regulations.

CONCLUSIONS: The scoping review showed that frontal nutrition labeling has the potential to positively influence the food choices of the general population, however, to maximize its effect it is necessary to consider cultural and educational factors and the need for long-term research.