Nutri-Score and Eco-Score Labeling: A Systematic Review of Their Impact on Consumer Understanding, Attitudes, and Behaviors

Abstract

The increasing socio-political interest in front-of-pack (FOP) labels is leading to a larger body of consumer studies on the topic. This work explores the current literature on a highly discussed color-coded label format at the European level: the Nutri-Score (NS) and its environmental counterpart, the Eco-Score (ES). Our systematic review investigates consumers’ responses to the labels in terms of consumers’ understanding, attitudes, and behaviors. Results from the retrieved articles (n = 72) showed a positive performance of the NS in promoting objective understanding. Specifically, the NS more consistently led to correct responses in tasks assessing objective understanding (e.g. ranking products based on their nutritional quality) compared to other nutrition labels. Additionally, the NS showed promising effects on purchasing behavior, frequently guiding consumers toward choices with improved nutritional quality. More heterogeneity was identified for subjective understanding. Regarding the ES and the dual-labeling system (i.e. the two labels are displayed simultaneously), the restricted number of studies limited our conclusions and implications. Finally, limitations and suggestions for future research were proposed, as well as policy implications. Given the current socio-political debates on this FOP label format, our analysis can contribute to the ongoing discussion to adopt mandatory FOP labels to support public health.