FDA Front-of-package Pretest: High In Labels

The objective of this aim is to assess which of five "High In" front-of-package label (FOPL) designs is most effective at helping consumers identify the healthiest products (i.e., products that are high in the fewest number of nutrients of concern: added sugar, sodium, and saturated fat). The investigators will use a between-subjects randomized experiment to assess the primary outcome. Participants will be randomized to one of five label conditions modeled after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's draft "High In" FOPL designs: 1) No Icon; 2) Magnifying Glass; 3) Exclamation Mark; 4) Exclamation Mark with multiple labels; 5) Exclamation Mark with Black Background.

The primary outcome is correct identification of the healthiest product, defined as the product that is high in the fewest nutrients of concern, including added sugars, sodium, and saturated fat (percent correct for each condition). Secondary outcomes include correct identification of which product is least healthy; which product(s) are high in added sugars, saturated fat, and sodium (3 separate questions); and perceived message effectiveness (PME) of the different labels.

Logit models will be used to compare proportions in each condition that correctly identified the items (each condition compared to every other condition). For continuous outcomes (e.g., knowledge, PME scale), the investigators will use linear regression models regressing the outcome on an indicator for experimental condition. A critical alpha 0.05 will be used, and statistical tests will be two-tailed. The Bonferroni Holm correction will be used for analyses comparing conditions 2-5 to each other for each outcome (6 comparisons).

The investigators will also measure nutrition literacy, and assess moderation on the primary outcome by nutrition literacy (continuous) and highest education attainment (Bachelor's Degree or higher vs. less than Bachelor's Degree).