Effectiveness of Taste vs. Health-Based Messaging to Improve Diet Quality

Not Applicable

Not yet recruiting

• Conditions: Behavior, Health

• Registration Number: NCT07156162
• Lead Sponsor: Penn State University

Brief Summary

The purpose of this study is to compare the effectiveness of taste vs. health messaging using nutrition education videos. The investigators aim to compare and test 2 taste-based messaging vs. 2 health-based messaging that translate previous findings of how spices can improve diet quality. These objectives will be pursued via the following hypothesis:

Hypothesis 1: Are taste messaging videos more effective in improving consumer interest, knowledge, and confidence in using herbs and spices compared to health messaging focused videos? Hypothesis 2: Will consumers rate the taste messaging videos higher for liking, engagement, and acceptability of herbs and spices compared to health messaging focused videos?

Detailed Description

Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: the first group (n\~200) will view two taste messaging focused videos emphasizing taste and flavor first followed by the two health messaging focused videos. The second group (n\~200) will receive the two health messaging focused videos emphasizing the importance of using herbs to improve health first followed by the two taste messaging focused videos. Randomization will occur using R and the randomization feature will be embedded in the survey. Both groups will have access to the same educational content but the time of viewing the messaging video will differ according to the taste or health focused arm. Participants will complete screening questions first, and if eligible, an online consent form. Participants will also complete an evaluation questionnaire after watching the taste messaging focused videos and after watching the health messaging focused videos. After participants have completed those questionnaires, they will be provided with a list of measures on why they liked a video and will be able to select if they preferred one over the other, as well as their feedback on the videos, and a demographics questionnaire. Investigators will use participants responses for analysis. All participants will complete the survey questions online using their own device.

Study Timeline

• Status Verified: 2025-09
• Study First Submitted: 2025-09-03
• Study First Submitted QC: 2025-09-03
• Last Update Submitted: 2025-09-03
• Study First Posted: 2025-09-05
• Last Update Posted: 2025-09-05
• Study Start: 2025-10-15
• Primary Completion: 2025-11-01
• Study Completion: 2025-11-01

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: NOT_YET_RECRUITING
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 400

Inclusion Criteria

• Adults, 18-75 years of age
• Reside in the United States
• Fluent in English
• Able to cook at home at least 2x/week or more

Exclusion Criteria

• Outside of the 18-75 year age range
• Resides outside the United States
• Are not fluent in English
• Unable to cook at home at least 2x/week

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: CROSSOVER

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
1. Evaluation questionnaire for the taste videos and the health videos using a visual analog scale from "strongly disagree" to "strongly agree".	Right after watching the second set of nutrition education videos.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Dynata Online Market Research Agency; 🇺🇸 Shelton, Connecticut, United States