Jennifer L Harris1, Jennifer L Pomeranz2. 1. Rudd Center for Food Policy & Obesity, University of Connecticut, Hartford, Connecticut, USA. 2. Department of Public Health Policy and Management, School of Global Public Health, New York University, New York, New York, USA.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Experts recommend against serving sugary drinks and non-nutritive sweeteners to young children, but misperceptions about drink ingredients may contribute to consumption. OBJECTIVES: Assess parents' ability to identify added sugar, non-nutritive sweeteners and juice in children's drinks. METHODS: Researchers recruited U.S. parents of young children (1-5 years) through an online survey panel (N = 1603). In a randomized experiment, participants indicated whether eight popular children's drink products contained added sugar or non-nutritive sweeteners and percentage of juice after viewing (a) front-of-package alone or (b) front-of-package plus nutrition/ingredient information. Participants also viewed common statements of identity on children's drinks to identify product ingredients. RESULTS: When viewing front-of-packages alone, most participants accurately identified products with (83%-90%) and without (51%-65%) added sugar. Showing nutrition/ingredient information increased accuracy. However, the majority could not identify drinks with non-nutritive sweeteners (53%-58%), and many incorrectly believed that unsweetened juices contained added sugar (38%-43%), sweetened flavoured waters had no added sugar (24%-25%), and 100% juice contained less than 100% juice (37%). Furthermore, the majority could not identify product ingredients from statement of identity terms. CONCLUSIONS: Misperceptions about product ingredients under current labelling practices indicate that updated regulations are necessary, including clear disclosures of sweetener and juice content on package fronts.
BACKGROUND: Experts recommend against serving sugary drinks and non-nutritive sweeteners to young children, but misperceptions about drink ingredients may contribute to consumption. OBJECTIVES: Assess parents' ability to identify added sugar, non-nutritive sweeteners and juice in children's drinks. METHODS: Researchers recruited U.S. parents of young children (1-5 years) through an online survey panel (N = 1603). In a randomized experiment, participants indicated whether eight popular children's drink products contained added sugar or non-nutritive sweeteners and percentage of juice after viewing (a) front-of-package alone or (b) front-of-package plus nutrition/ingredient information. Participants also viewed common statements of identity on children's drinks to identify product ingredients. RESULTS: When viewing front-of-packages alone, most participants accurately identified products with (83%-90%) and without (51%-65%) added sugar. Showing nutrition/ingredient information increased accuracy. However, the majority could not identify drinks with non-nutritive sweeteners (53%-58%), and many incorrectly believed that unsweetened juices contained added sugar (38%-43%), sweetened flavoured waters had no added sugar (24%-25%), and 100% juice contained less than 100% juice (37%). Furthermore, the majority could not identify product ingredients from statement of identity terms. CONCLUSIONS: Misperceptions about product ingredients under current labelling practices indicate that updated regulations are necessary, including clear disclosures of sweetener and juice content on package fronts.
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
Authors: Aviva A Musicus; Sophia V Hua; Alyssa J Moran; Emily W Duffy; Marissa G Hall; Christina A Roberto; Francesca R Dillman Carpentier; Sarah Sorscher; Margo G Wootan; Lindsey Smith Taillie; Eric B Rimm Journal: Appetite Date: 2021-12-27 Impact factor: 3.868
Authors: Marissa G Hall; Allison J Lazard; Isabella C A Higgins; Jonathan L Blitstein; Emily W Duffy; Eva Greenthal; Sarah Sorscher; Lindsey Smith Taillie Journal: Am J Clin Nutr Date: 2022-04-01 Impact factor: 7.045