Gastrophysics: Nudging consumers toward eating more leafy (salad) greens

Abstract

According to nutritional recommendations, the majority of us should be eating more leafy (salad) greens in order to maintain a healthier and more balanced diet. Yet the overwhelming evidence suggests that despite widespread publicity, most people consistently fail to meet the guidelines. This review assesses the multisensory appeal of leafy (salad) greens at various stages of the consumer journey from initial purchase in store through presentation in a dish/meal, and eventual consumption. The review identifies the current limited sensory appeal of leafy (salad) greens, and highlights a number potential means to enhance their multisensory desirability, be it in the store or else on the plate/in the bowl in the future. The argument is made that the latter approach likely represents a more promising means of ‘nudging’ the consumer toward a more balanced and healthy diet than current informational campaigns and/or the publicizing of nutritional guidelines.