Abstract
The color red widely appears on food packages. However, understanding of the effects of this color on consumers in the context of food packages remains limited. In particular, the literature stresses the need for a better grasp of the underlying mechanisms that explain the effects of this color when used on food packages. Building on the psychological literature on colors and emotions, this research argues that because the color red carries negative meanings related to transgression, it may prompt consumers to feel some guilt about their consumption. Three studies demonstrate the indirect effect of the color red (versus green or blue) on guilt and eventually on choice through the mediating role of negative cognitive associations. The results also highlight the moderating role of perception of the food product as unhealthy, with the color red leading to stronger negative associations and guilt for unhealthy (vs. healthy) products.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
