An objective measure of nutrition facts panel usage and nutrient quality of food choice.

Abstract

The relationship between time viewing nutrition information and nutrient quality of foods chosen in a food selection task was objectively evaluated through direct observation using an eye-tracking camera. A total of 202 participants' food choices were scored for nutrient density. Multivariate linear regression analysis was conducted with mean nutrient density of foods selected regressed on mean label viewing time and participants' sociodemographic characteristics. Label viewing time was not significantly associated with nutrient density food score. A significant relationship emerged between the covariate, age, and mean nutrient density food score such that mean nutrient density scores were higher for older participants compared with younger ones (P=.04). Foods selected by males had a higher mean nutrient density score than foods selected by females (P = .03). Findings suggest that those who spend more time viewing nutrition facts panels during a single shopping trip may not select more nutritious foods.