An update: choice architecture as a means to change eating behaviour in self-service settings:A systematic review

Abstract

Objective: The primary objective of this review was to update the current evidence-base for the use of choice architecture as a means to change eating behaviour in self-service eating settings, hence potentially reducing energy intake.Methodology: 12 databases were searched systematically for experimental studies with predefined choice architectural interventions in the period June 2011 - March 2012. The 12 included studies were grouped according to type of interventions and underwent a narrative synthesis. An update of the review was conducted during the summer of 2014. Results: The evidence indicates that (i) health labelling at point-of-purchase is associated with healthier food choice, whilst (ii) manipulating the plate and cutlery size has an inconclusive effect on consumption volume. Finally, (iii) assortment manipulation and (iv) payment option manipulation was associated with healthier food choices. The majority of studies were of very weak quality and future research should emphasize a real-life setting and compare their results with the effect of other more well-established interventions on food behaviour in self-service eating settings.Key findings: An increasing interest in the topic of choice architecture and nudging has increased the scientific output since the last review. There is a clear limitation in the lack of a clear definitions and theoretical foundation