Evidence-based policy and food consumer behaviour: How empirical challenges shape the evidence

Abstract

Providing evidence to support food policy requires causal identification and demonstration of economic significance. Research methods impact the ability to address these goals, often with substantial tradeoffs between methods. The constraints of food decision contexts impact which methods are feasible, shaping the universe of policy relevant food behaviour research. This relationship is highlighted in the context of four key policy levers: pricing, consumer information, accessibility and regulation of the food environment. This review provides those outside the field a lens for evaluating both the weight of evidence and a guide to what type of evidence is feasible in particular contexts.