Exploring the impact of color - coded labeling on consumer perception: the role of positive and negative information in food choice
Exploring the impact of color - coded labeling on consumer perception: the role of positive and negative information in food choice
StatusVoR
Alternative title
Authors
Olszewska, Justyna M.
Falkowski, Andrzej
Conway, Sean
Jabłońska, Magdalena
Mackiewicz, Robert
Monograph
Monograph (alternative title)
Date
2026-01-19
Publisher
Journal title
Current Psychology
Issue
Volume
45
Pages
Pages
1-13
ISSN
1046-1310
ISSN of series
Access date
2026-01-19
Abstract PL
Abstract EN
Recently, the food market has seen growing interest in color-coded nutritional labeling (green, red, yellow) to represent nutrient levels. This shift aims to encourage healthier food choices. However, research shows people tend to give more weight to negative information than positive, even when both are equally intense. This project explored how positive and negative information affect consumers’ perception of food products using color-coded labels. We also compared the impact of verbal and color labeling on consumer choices. While previous studies have focused on how traffic-light labeling influences choices, this study examines the cognitive processes behind these effects. The findings support the effectiveness of color-coded labeling, aligning with the picture superiority effect and positive-negative asymmetry. This research provides valuable insights into consumer behavior and offers practical solutions for addressing issues like obesity, often linked to neglecting nutritional information.
Abstract other
Keywords PL
Keywords EN
Prospect theory
Picture superiority effect
Positive-negative asymmetry
Perception
Nutrition
Picture superiority effect
Positive-negative asymmetry
Perception
Nutrition