Socioeconomic Position and the Impact of Increasing the Proportion of Lower Energy Foods Available on Supermarket Meal Choices and Consumption

This study will examine the effectiveness of a structural intervention (baseline proportion of lower energy ready meals vs increased proportion of lower energy ready meals) on calories (kcal) ordered and consumed. The study will use a within-subjects design, meaning all participants will be exposed to both conditions (baseline vs increased lower energy meal menus). The procedure will involve participants placing orders for supermarket ready meals, which are then delivered to their homes for their consumption. This study will also investigate whether the effectiveness of the intervention varies, depending on socioeconomic position (SEP). The primary hypothesis is that increasing proportion of lower energy options will decrease total kcal ordered and consumed, and that there will be no difference between higher and lower SEP. To address the limited evidence on longer term impacts of dietary interventions on daily energy intake, the present study will also examine post-meal energy consumption up to midnight on the following day. Finally, this study will explore the psychological processes that might underlie the effectiveness of the intervention among individuals with higher and lower SEP; namely, food choice motives, satiety responsiveness, plate clearing tendencies, and food waste concerns.