Emily W Duffy1, Lindsey Smith Taillie1, Ana Paula C Richter2, Isabella Ca Higgins3, Jennifer L Harris4, Marissa G Hall2,5. 1. Department of Nutrition and Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, NC, USA. 2. Department of Health Behavior and Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Gillings School of Global Public Health, 123 W. Franklin St., Suite 210, Chapel Hill, NC27516, USA. 3. Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA. 4. University of Connecticut Rudd Center for Food Policy & Obesity, Hartford, CT, USA. 5. UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, School of Medicine, CB #7295, Chapel Hill, NC27599, USA.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: Toddler milk (i.e. a nutrient-fortified milk-based drink marketed for children 12-36 months old) is increasingly being marketed in the USA despite not being recommended for young children. There is evidence of targeted toddler milk marketing to Latinos in the USA. This study aimed to explore toddler milk perceptions and behaviours among Latino and non-Latino parents. DESIGN: An online survey assessed toddler milk perceptions, behaviours and interpretations of nutrition-related claims. Multivariable logistic and linear regression explored socio-demographic correlates of parent reported past purchases and perceived healthfulness. SETTING: Online. PARTICIPANTS: National convenience sample of 1078 US parents of children aged 2-12 years (48 % Latino). RESULTS: About half of parents (51 %) had previously purchased toddler milk and few (11 %) perceived toddler milk as unhealthy. Latino parents were more likely to have purchased toddler milk than non-Latino parents (P < 0·001), but there were no differences in perceived product healthfulness (P = 0·47). Compared to parents born in the USA, parents living in the USA 10 years or less were more likely to have purchased toddler milk (P < 0·001) and perceive toddler milk as healthier (P = 0·002). Open-ended interpretations of claims were primarily positive, suggesting 'health halo' effects. CONCLUSIONS: Common misperceptions about toddler milk healthfulness suggest stronger labelling regulations are needed. Greater reported purchases by Latino parents and recent immigrants warrant further investigation.
OBJECTIVES: Toddler milk (i.e. a nutrient-fortified milk-based drink marketed for children 12-36 months old) is increasingly being marketed in the USA despite not being recommended for young children. There is evidence of targeted toddler milk marketing to Latinos in the USA. This study aimed to explore toddler milk perceptions and behaviours among Latino and non-Latino parents. DESIGN: An online survey assessed toddler milk perceptions, behaviours and interpretations of nutrition-related claims. Multivariable logistic and linear regression explored socio-demographic correlates of parent reported past purchases and perceived healthfulness. SETTING: Online. PARTICIPANTS: National convenience sample of 1078 US parents of children aged 2-12 years (48 % Latino). RESULTS: About half of parents (51 %) had previously purchased toddler milk and few (11 %) perceived toddler milk as unhealthy. Latino parents were more likely to have purchased toddler milk than non-Latino parents (P < 0·001), but there were no differences in perceived product healthfulness (P = 0·47). Compared to parents born in the USA, parents living in the USA 10 years or less were more likely to have purchased toddler milk (P < 0·001) and perceive toddler milk as healthier (P = 0·002). Open-ended interpretations of claims were primarily positive, suggesting 'health halo' effects. CONCLUSIONS: Common misperceptions about toddler milk healthfulness suggest stronger labelling regulations are needed. Greater reported purchases by Latino parents and recent immigrants warrant further investigation.
Authors: Josephine M Wills; Stefan Storcksdieck genannt Bonsmann; Magdalena Kolka; Klaus G Grunert Journal: Proc Nutr Soc Date: 2012-03-05 Impact factor: 6.297
Authors: Valisa E Hedrick; Jyoti Savla; Dana L Comber; Kyle D Flack; Paul A Estabrooks; Phyllis A Nsiah-Kumi; Stacie Ortmeier; Brenda M Davy Journal: J Acad Nutr Diet Date: 2012-06 Impact factor: 4.910
Authors: Lauren E Au; Klara Gurzo; Courtney Paolicelli; Shannon E Whaley; Nancy S Weinfield; Lorrene D Ritchie Journal: J Nutr Date: 2018-11-01 Impact factor: 4.798
Authors: Ana Paula C Richter; Emily W Duffy; Lindsey Smith Taillie; Jennifer L Harris; Jennifer L Pomeranz; Marissa G Hall Journal: J Acad Nutr Diet Date: 2021-08-13 Impact factor: 4.910