Consumer preference for point of sale nutrition information content delivery method in restaurants
Abstract
In the past four decades, American consumers have increased the frequency of dining out and, in recent years, have shown an increased interest in having nutrition information available at restaurants. In response to consumer interests as well as the growing obesity epidemic, restaurants, consumer interest groups, and the U.S. government have begun to take action. While other studies have addressed various aspects of nutrition information labeling in restaurants, none have concentrated on consumer response to nutrition information content delivery method within the context of proximity to the guest and resulting required search efforts to obtain the nutrition information. As an exploratory study to establish the Health Conscious Spectrum, a quasi-experimental design was used to examine consumer attitude and behavior in response to nutrition information at four different levels of search effort. The author tested consumer desire for restaurant nutrition information labeling and proximity, and actual use of and effort spent to obtain the information in a full-service restaurant setting. As a result of the analysis, it was found that consumers with both great and little interest in nutrition content are more likely to see and use nutrition labeling information when it is presented either in the menu or in a table tent. Most consumers expressed preference for information available either in the menu or upon request, and would like to see calories and calories from fat listed. According to the results of this study, there were no statistically significant differences between perceived healthiness and having read the nutrition information, however some entrées were perceived to be healthier than others. This study provides valuable insights into characteristics of consumers that use nutrition information in restaurants, and how this information can be used to assist restaurateurs.
Degree
M.S.
Advisors
Almanza, Purdue University.
Subject Area
Business administration|Social research|Public Health Education
Off-Campus Purdue Users:
To access this dissertation, please log in to our
proxy server.