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Cornell Food & Brand Lab


Successful infographics

A new study identified four key features of successful infographics: an action-oriented title, short text, clear language, and an illustrated direct course of action. These dimensions were found to be significant in persuading viewers and promoting healthy changes.

SourceCornell Food & Brand Lab·JournalAmerican Journal of Health Behavior·DateOct 19, 2016

Smarter lunchrooms innovators

A new study from Cornell Center for Behavioral Economics in Child Nutrition Programs finds that career development opportunities are crucial for food service directors to adopt healthier lunchroom changes. Food service directors who participate in professional organizations and trainings are more likely to be aware of the Smarter Lunch...

SourceCornell Food & Brand Lab·JournalEvaluation and Program Planning·DateOct 12, 2016

Make an October weight resolution

A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that individuals tend to gain weight between Thanksgiving and Christmas, with a peak around the New Year. By setting an October weight resolution, individuals can avoid gaining holiday weight altogether, as it may take over 5 months to lose gained pounds.

SourceCornell Food & Brand Lab·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateOct 4, 2016

Trauma and shopping

A study of 355 World War II veterans found that those who experienced intense combat were more price-sensitive and less brand loyal. This research provides insights for store owners and aid providers on what items to stock in stores after a disaster, such as practical and affordable options like off-brand variety.

SourceCornell Food & Brand Lab·JournalFrontiers in Physiology·DateSep 6, 2016

An upside of marketing food to children

A new study published in Pediatrics found that using colorful banners and nutrition education videos can increase the number of children taking vegetables in school cafeterias. Researchers observed a 239% increase in vegetable selection when both banners and videos were used, compared to a 90% increase when only banners were used.

SourceCornell Food & Brand Lab·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateJul 5, 2016

Love is blind... to food waste

Research from Cornell Food & Brand Lab reveals that caregivers often serve large portions to show affection, leading to unnecessary food waste. The study suggests connecting food pantries with nutritional educators can reduce food waste in lower-middle class households.

SourceCornell Food & Brand Lab·JournalJournal of Food Products Marketing·DateJun 13, 2016

What happens when parents comment on their daughter's weight?

A new study from the Cornell Food & Brand Lab found that women who recall their parents commenting on their weight are more prone to being overweight and less satisfied with their weight as adults. Commenting on a daughter's weight can have a negative impact later in life, damaging body image regardless of weight.

SourceCornell Food & Brand Lab·JournalEating and Weight Disorders - Studies on Anorexia Bulimia and Obesity·DateJun 7, 2016

Bright lights, healthy choices

Research published in the Journal of Marketing Research found that diners in well-lit rooms are more likely to order healthier options, such as grilled fish or vegetables, compared to those in dimly lit spaces. The study also revealed that increased alertness leads to better food choices.

SourceCornell Food & Brand Lab·JournalJournal of Marketing Research·DateMay 26, 2016

Nudging health in food pantries

Researchers found that placing protein bars at the start of the dessert line increased selection by 46%, while keeping them in original packaging boosted selection by 59%. These simple changes made healthy foods more convenient and appealing to clients.

SourceCornell Food & Brand Lab·JournalJournal of Public Health·DateMay 17, 2016

Apples or fries

A study by Cornell Food & Brand Lab found that 86.7% of children aged 6-8 opted for fries over apples when the apples were the default option. The researchers suggest offering smaller portions of fries with apples as a more realistic solution to encourage healthier eating habits.

SourceCornell Food & Brand Lab·JournalBMC Research Notes·DateMay 6, 2016

Frosting on the cake

Researchers found that depictions of frosted cake on cake mix boxes result in consumers overestimating the appropriate serving size by nearly 135% more calories. This is especially true for women in the food service industry, who overestimated serving sizes by 122 calories.

SourceCornell Food & Brand Lab·JournalPublic Health Nutrition·DateMar 30, 2016

Manager supported wellness

A Cornell study found that incentivizing managers to promote healthier work environments can boost employee wellness. The researchers surveyed 270 adults with manager roles, discovering that 68% supported being evaluated for their employee wellness actions.

SourceCornell Food & Brand Lab·JournalJournal of Occupational Health Psychology·DateFeb 15, 2016

Clean kitchens cut calories

A recent study conducted at the Cornell Food and Brand Lab found that cluttered kitchens can lead to over-snacking. Women who waited in a messy kitchen ate 53 more calories from cookies compared to those waiting in an organized kitchen.

SourceCornell Food & Brand Lab·JournalEnvironment and Behavior·DateFeb 3, 2016

Messages from the food police

Researchers found that dieters ate 39% more cookies after seeing a negative message about sugary snacks compared to those who saw a positive message. Dieters who saw a two-sided message chose 47% fewer unhealthy snacks than those who saw a negative message.

SourceCornell Food & Brand Lab·JournalJournal of the Association for Consumer Research·DateJan 26, 2016

Stop spoon dosing

A study suggests that changing dosing instructions from teaspoons to milliliters can significantly reduce the risk of dosage errors. The researchers found that using measuring cups with milliliter markings leads to more accurate dosages, resulting in a 50% decrease in errors.

SourceCornell Food & Brand Lab·JournalBMC Research Notes·DateJan 21, 2016

Size matters

Researchers found that people eat fewer calories when served smaller pizza slices on large tables, as the larger surface distracts from slice size. The study recommends serving food in small portions and on large surfaces to promote eating less.

SourceCornell Food & Brand Lab·JournalJournal of the Association for Consumer Research·DateJan 19, 2016

Seduced by the label

Research from the Cornell Food & Brand Lab found that smaller recommended serving sizes on nutrition labels can mislead consumers into purchasing more of unhealthy foods like cookies. Shoppers tend to ignore serving size differences and assume healthier products.

SourceCornell Food & Brand Lab·JournalJournal of the Association for Consumer Research·DateJan 14, 2016

Use small plates to lose weight

A recent study found that smaller plates can lead to a 30% reduction in food consumption on average, particularly when diners are self-serving their portions. The research also discovered that consumers who are unaware they are being monitored are more likely to benefit from the use of smaller plates.

SourceCornell Food & Brand Lab·JournalJournal of the Association for Consumer Research·DateJan 12, 2016

Eat less and be happy -- really!

Researchers found that offering smaller portions consistently motivates individuals to choose healthier options, regardless of hunger levels. Desirable non-food rewards also increase motivation for choosing smaller portions.

SourceCornell Food & Brand Lab·JournalJournal of the Association for Consumer Research·DateJan 7, 2016

The waiter's weight

A study by Cornell Food & Brand Lab found that diners ordering from heavier wait staff were four times more likely to order dessert and 17% more alcohol. The research suggests that a waiter's weight can play a significant role in influencing diner behavior, particularly when it comes to indulging in treats.

SourceCornell Food & Brand Lab·JournalEnvironment and Behavior·DateJan 6, 2016

Waste less at home

Researchers analyzed previous studies and empirical data to identify the need for further research on reducing household food waste. A standardized methodology to measure consumer food waste is also necessary to inform public policies and nutritional education initiatives.

SourceCornell Food & Brand Lab·JournalJournal of the Association for Consumer Research·DateJan 5, 2016

Let hunger be your guide

Research found that eating moderately hungry reduces blood glucose levels after meals, whereas eating when not hungry may be detrimental to health. This study suggests that individuals should listen to their hunger cues and eat when they're truly hungry rather than relying on convenience foods.

SourceCornell Food & Brand Lab·JournalJournal of the Association for Consumer Research·DateDec 30, 2015

Eating healthy or feeling empty?

Researchers found that consumers associate 'healthy' foods with less fillingness, leading to increased portion sizes and consumption. Highlighting the nourishing aspects of healthy food can mitigate this bias, providing a potential solution for managing weight.

SourceCornell Food & Brand Lab·JournalJournal of the Association for Consumer Research·DateDec 28, 2015

Healthy theme park meals?

A new study by Cornell Food & Brand Lab found that nutritionally improved kid's meals at Disney World resulted in 48% of diners opting for the healthier option. The healthier alternatives reduced calories, fat, and sodium by 21.4%, 43.9%, and 43.4%, respectively.

SourceCornell Food & Brand Lab·JournalJournal of the Association for Consumer Research·DateDec 22, 2015

Buffet guilt

A study by Cornell Food & Brand Lab researchers found that diners paying less for all-you-can-eat buffets feel more physically uncomfortable and guilty compared to those paying more. The study suggests that consumers can mitigate these effects by opting for higher-priced buffets and healthier options.

SourceCornell Food & Brand Lab·JournalBMC Nutrition·DateDec 17, 2015

Healthy reflections

The study found that mirrors in consumption settings can reduce the perceived tastiness of unhealthy food, leading to lower consumption. The presence of a mirror did not affect the taste of healthy food, suggesting it's only an issue for unhealthy options.

SourceCornell Food & Brand Lab·JournalJournal of the Association for Consumer Research·DateDec 17, 2015

Peak-end pizza

A Cornell study found that price affects how customers evaluate pizza by focusing on the first slice's taste. When paying $8, diners prioritize the initial impression over the last bite.

SourceCornell Food & Brand Lab·JournalJournal of Product & Brand Management·DateNov 25, 2015

Safety last?

A study by Cornell researchers found that consumers tend to ignore food safety risks if they conflict with their preferred products, rather than changing their behavior. The study showed that risk information alone is not enough to get consumers to alter their behavior.

SourceCornell Food & Brand Lab·JournalCanadian Journal of Agricultural Economics/Revue canadienne d agroeconomie·DateNov 24, 2015

Eating to impress

A Cornell University study found men will eat significantly more food in the company of women than other men, consuming 93% more pizza and 86% more salad. When dining with men, many women felt they overate and were rushed through their meal.

SourceCornell Food & Brand Lab·JournalEvolutionary Psychological Science·DateNov 17, 2015

Is junk food to blame?

A Cornell University study suggests that diet and physical activity are key factors in managing weight, rather than eliminating specific foods like junk food. The research found that intake of soda, candy, and fast food is not linked to Body Mass Index (BMI) for most adults, except those at the extreme ends of the BMI spectrum.

SourceCornell Food & Brand Lab·JournalObesity Science & Practice·DateNov 5, 2015

A slim by design breakfast

A study by Cornell Food & Brand Lab found that healthy-weight individuals tend to eat nutritious breakfasts including fruits and vegetables. The research revealed that egg consumption was higher than expected among slim people, highlighting the importance of breakfast in weight management.

The 20 lb. cereal box

A new Cornell study found that women who had breakfast cereal sitting on their counters weighed 20-lbs more than those without, while soft drinks contributed to a 24-26 lb weight increase. In contrast, households with fruit bowls showed a 13-lb weight loss.

SourceCornell Food & Brand Lab·JournalHealth Education & Behavior·DateOct 19, 2015

Fresh from the tree

A new study found that depicting food in motion on packaging and marketing campaigns can make it seem fresher and more appealing to consumers. The researchers discovered that implied motion elevates the perceived quality of food, potentially encouraging healthier choices.

SourceCornell Food & Brand Lab·JournalFood Quality and Preference·DateAug 17, 2015

Employee health codes of conduct

A new study published in the International Journal of Workplace Health Management suggests that Health Codes of Conduct can effectively engage employees in wellness activities. The study found that features such as annual physicals, exercise routines, and recognition programs were most supported by participants.

SourceCornell Food & Brand Lab·JournalInternational Journal of Workplace Health Management·DateAug 3, 2015

Do you really think you're a foodie?

A nationwide survey of 502 women found that adventurous eaters rated themselves as healthier eaters and were more physically active. They also reported being more likely to have friends over for dinner and were less concerned with the healthfulness of their food.

SourceCornell Food & Brand Lab·JournalObesity·DateJul 2, 2015

The food-waste paradox

A study from Cornell Food & Brand Lab reveals that buying too much food, preparing in abundance, and improper storage lead to significant household food waste. Implementing efficient meal planning strategies and proper food storage techniques can significantly reduce waste and save money.

SourceCornell Food & Brand Lab·JournalInternational Journal of Consumer Studies·DateJun 9, 2015