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Cornell Food & Brand Lab


What would Batman eat?

A Cornell study finds that prompting children to make healthy choices, like Batman, can lead to a significant reduction in calorie consumption. Children who chose apple fries consumed 34 calories, compared to 227 for French fries.

SourceCornell Food & Brand Lab·JournalPediatric Obesity·DateJul 18, 2012

'It's not nutritious until it's eaten'

A study found that making one lunch line a convenience line with healthy grab-and-go foods increased sales of nutritious options by 18% and decreased consumption of unhealthy foods by nearly 28%. This approach helped students take more milk, leading to a share of healthier foods increasing from 33% to 36%.

SourceCornell Food & Brand Lab·JournalJournal of Public Health·DateFeb 10, 2012

When chefs move the fruit

A new study at the American Dietetic Association Conference shows that moving fruit into a colorful bowl increases fruit sales by 104% in schools. The Cornell Center for Behavioral Economics in Child Nutrition Programs is working with the White House and food industry leaders to promote healthier school lunches.

Making school lunchrooms smarter

A new Cornell University study shows that simple changes like moving fruit to a colorful bowl and creating a speedy 'healthy express' checkout line can significantly increase the sale of healthy options. The research also highlights the importance of making healthy foods more convenient, visible, and appealing to kids.

Health halos that make us fat

Researchers found that individuals who dine at establishments labeled as healthy tend to underestimate their actual caloric consumption and subsequently indulge in high-calorie treats. To combat this effect, experts suggest doubling estimated calorie counts for meals served at these restaurants.

SourceCornell Food & Brand Lab·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateOct 9, 2010

New study: The kitchen-counter diet

A new study found that keeping serving dishes off the table can lead to a reduction in food consumption, with participants eating 20% fewer calories. The strategy can also be used to encourage healthier food choices, such as choosing fruits and vegetables over processed snacks.

The largest Last Supper

A study analyzed 52 paintings of the Last Supper and found that portion size, plate size, and bread size increased dramatically over the past thousand years. The main courses depicted grew by 69%, while plate sizes increased by 66% and bread sizes by 23%.

SourceCornell Food & Brand Lab·JournalInternational Journal of Obesity·DateMar 23, 2010

Can kitchen spoons be dangerous spoons?

A new Cornell study reveals that using kitchen spoons to measure liquid medicine can lead to significant inaccuracies. Participants under-dosed by an average of 8%, while those using larger spoons over-dosed by 12%. Experts recommend using precise measuring devices instead.

SourceCornell Food & Brand Lab·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJan 4, 2010

Bottomless bowls are an Ig Nobel winner

Brian Wansink's research on bottomless bowls of creamy tomato soup found that people eating from soup bowls with hidden refills ate 73% more soup than those in normal bowls, without feeling fuller. The study suggests that cues around us influence not only what we eat but also how much and when we feel full

SourceCornell Food & Brand Lab·JournalObesity·DateOct 11, 2007

Fine as North Dakota wine

A Cornell University study found that changing the label on a wine can significantly impact diners' perceptions of the wine and their overall meal experience. Diners who were given wine from California rated it higher in quality, enjoyed more of their meal, and were more likely to return to the restaurant.

SourceCornell Food & Brand Lab·JournalPhysiology & Behavior·DateAug 6, 2007

Hungry for a Super Bowl victory?

Researchers found that seeing leftover chicken bones on plates led to a 43% increase in eating, while those who ate off clean plates consumed less. The study suggests serving yourself onto a plate and stopping when it's empty can help prevent overeating at Super Bowl parties.

SourceCornell Food & Brand Lab·JournalPerceptual and Motor Skills·DateJan 31, 2007

Do low-fat foods make us fat?

Recent studies found that people eat up to 28-45% more calories when consuming low-fat snacks, as they mistakenly perceive them as lower-calorie alternatives. This misperception can lead to overindulgence and a poor diet.

SourceCornell Food & Brand Lab·JournalJournal of Marketing Research·DateDec 8, 2006

The 'Freakonomics of food'

A study by Cornell Food & Brand Lab shows that we tend to overeat due to cues around us, such as plate size and distractions. By using smaller plates or limiting food options, individuals can make easier changes to control their eating habits.

SourceCornell Food & Brand Lab·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateNov 22, 2006

'Best if used by ...'

A study by Cornell University and the US Army Research Labs found that as food approaches its 'Best if used by' date, people rate it as less tasty and less healthy. The research suggests that freshness dating may not be an effective way to influence consumer behavior.

SourceCornell Food & Brand Lab·JournalJournal of Food Science·DateJun 23, 2006

Fighting nutrition misinformation:

The American Dietetic Association's new position statement warns of common inaccuracies in media coverage of nutrition studies. Journalists should ensure research is conducted by credible institutions and qualified researchers, and that results reflect appropriate context.

The Valentine's Day candy dish

A study by Cornell University researcher Brian Wansink found that women eat significantly more Hershey Kisses when they are in clear containers on their desks, but fewer when they are six feet away. This suggests that the temptation factor plays a role in overeating, and that making food less visible can lead to reduced consumption.

SourceCornell Food & Brand Lab·JournalInternational Journal of Obesity·DateFeb 9, 2006

'Super Bowls' lead to super appetites

Researchers at Cornell University found that people who served themselves from large bowls ate 56% more than those who used smaller serving bowls. This led to an extra 142 calories consumed. The study suggests using smaller serving bowls for party foods, while larger bowls can encourage healthy eating.

SourceCornell Food & Brand Lab·JournalJAMA·DateJan 27, 2006