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A special issue of Nutrients (ISSN 2072-6643). This special issue belongs to the section "Nutritional Policies and Education for Health Promotion".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 15 March 2026 | Viewed by 8269

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Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Paweł Bryła

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Guest Editor

Department of International Marketing and Retailing, Faculty of International and Political Studies, University of Lodz, Narutowicza 59a, 90-131 Lodz, Poland
Interests: consumer behavior; food marketing; organic products; regional products; sustainable consumption; ethnocentrism; country-of-origin effect; health claims; nutrition claims; food choice criteria
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

I am pleased to invite you to submit an article to this Special Issue, entitled the “Policies of Promoting Healthy Eating”.

This Special Issue aims to analyse the effectiveness of selected public policy instruments aiming to promote healthy eating.

In this Special Issue, original research articles and reviews are welcome to be submitted. Research areas may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Social marketing campaigns targeted at stimulating healthy eating;
Food labeling regulations, including information on ingredients, nutritional panel, health and nutrition claims, and front-of-package labeling systems such as nutri-score;
Organic certification, including European Union organic agriculture logo;
Nutrition smartphone applications;
Social media activities of dietitians.

I look forward to receiving your contributions.

Prof. Dr. Paweł Bryła
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Nutrients is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2900 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

healthy eating policies
nutrition apps
social marketing
social advertising
food labeling
health claims
nutrition claims
nutri-score
organic food
social media

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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36 pages, 1536 KB

Open AccessArticle

Food Label Readability and Consumption Frequency: Isolating Content-Specific Effects via a Non-Equivalent Dependent Variable Design

by Constanza Avalos, Nick Shryane and Yan Wang

Nutrients 2026, 18(2), 197; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18020197 - 7 Jan 2026

Viewed by 379

Abstract

Objective: This study investigates the association between consumers’ perceived readability of Multiple Traffic Light (MTL) label print size—a theoretical structural gatekeeper for visual salience—and self-reported food consumption frequency in the United Kingdom. We aimed to disentangle the effect of label readability from label content. Using non-equivalent dependent variables (NEDVs), we tested whether the association is specific to unhealthy convenience foods and absent for healthy or unlabeled foods, while also examining heterogeneity across consumer subgroups. Methods: Data from 8948 adults across four waves (2012–2018) of the UK Food and You Survey were analyzed. Cumulative link ordinal logistic regressions were employed to model the association between self-reported print size readability and the consumption frequency of four product types: pre-packaged sandwiches and pre-cooked meat (unhealthy, labeled targets), dairy (nutritionally advisable, labeled control), and fresh meat (unlabeled control). Models were adjusted for sociodemographic covariates, health behaviors, and survey wave fixed effects. Results: The findings reveal a content-specific and significant dynamic relationship exclusively for pre-packaged sandwiches. In 2012, a one-unit increase in readability was associated with a 9% decrease in the odds of frequent consumption (

O R = 0.91

), consistent with a warning effect. However, by 2018, this relationship reversed to a 4% increase (

O R = 1.04

), indicating that higher readability became associated with more frequent consumption. In contrast, a persistent null association was observed for pre-cooked meat, dairy, and fresh meat. Subgroup analyses for sandwiches indicated that the association with readability was strongest among less-engaged consumers. Conclusions: Empirical evidence challenges the utility of a standardized approach to food labelling. The results suggest that the effectiveness of label salience is contingent not just on the consumer but on the product’s context and the content of its message, highlighting the need for adaptive rather than uniform policy standards. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Policies of Promoting Healthy Eating)

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16 pages, 238 KB

Open AccessArticle

The New Orleans Food System and COVID-19: A Case Study in Strengthening Food System Resiliency to Facilitate Healthy Eating

by Brandi Stein, Megan Knapp, Elisa Muñoz and Donald Rose

Nutrients 2025, 17(23), 3689; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17233689 - 25 Nov 2025

Viewed by 638

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Policies to promote healthy eating often work through local food systems, which link food supply chains and food environments to individuals. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed vulnerabilities in national and global supply chains and emphasized the importance of local food systems in meeting community and individual needs. Unfortunately, we know too little about how to shape local food systems. This case study reports the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the New Orleans food system and the subsequent response from the community and local government to strengthen it through city and state policy changes, public–private collaborations, and grassroots citizens’ efforts. Methods: This study uses a participant–observer approach in which observations from an online 2020 survey of local food organizations (n = 56) were fielded by the New Orleans Food Policy Action Council (FPAC), a local coalition of food and agriculture groups. The authors, who worked with or were a part of FPAC, analyzed survey data for recurrent themes and then synthesized this with archived written materials and the authors’ own observations. Results: Key themes from this survey are detailed, along with an exploration of related efforts within the community, including: (1) Greaux the Good, a campaign developed by local food system stakeholders to successfully advocate for increased food assistance funds from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program; (2) policy change related to food vendor permitting; and (3) establishment of two positions within the local government: a City Food Specialist to increase collaboration between organizations in the food system and an Urban Agriculture Liaison to support local food production. Lastly, innovative programs of grassroots citizens’ organizations are detailed due to their positive impact on food access for community members. Conclusions: The cumulative impacts of these efforts added to the resiliency of the local food system and may protect it against the effects of future disasters as well as strengthen its ability to promote healthy eating. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Policies of Promoting Healthy Eating)

19 pages, 1239 KB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Nudge Interventions in Real-World Kiosks on Consumer Beverage Choices to Promote Non-Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Consumption

by Suah Moon, Seo-jin Chung and Jieun Oh

Nutrients 2025, 17(15), 2524; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17152524 - 31 Jul 2025

Viewed by 1548

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Excessive sugar intake through sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) has raised global concerns due to its association with various health risks. This study evaluates the effectiveness of nudges—in the form of order placement, variety expansion, and a combination of both—in promoting non-SSB purchases at self-service kiosks, a key environment for SSB consumption. Methods: This study was conducted using a real-world kiosk at food and beverage outlets in South Korea from 28 May to 12 July, 2024. A total of 183 consumers aged 19 to 29 participated in this study. A single kiosk device was used with four screen layouts, each reflecting a different nudge strategy. Participants were unaware of these manipulations when making their purchases. After their purchases, participants completed a survey. All data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 29.0. Results: Females reported significantly higher positive attitudes, preferences, and perceived necessity regarding nudges compared to males. In particular, both the single (variety) and combination (order and variety) nudges received positive responses from females (p < 0.001). The combination nudge significantly increased non-SSB purchases compared to the control (p < 0.05) and single (order) nudge groups (p < 0.01), which suggests that combination nudge is effective in promoting healthier beverage choices. Females were also more likely to purchase non-SSBs than males (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The findings suggest that the combination nudge strategy effectively promotes healthier beverage choices in real kiosk settings. Notably, females demonstrate significantly higher positive attitudes, preferences, and perceived necessity regarding nudges compared to males, and are also more likely to purchase non-SSBs. These findings offer valuable insights for real-world applications aimed at encouraging healthier consumption behaviors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Policies of Promoting Healthy Eating)

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10 pages, 210 KB

Open AccessArticle

Public Primary School Compliance with School Canteen Policy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

by Areej Alsiwat, George Kitsaras, Anne-Marie Glenny, Haya Alayadi and Michaela Goodwin

Nutrients 2025, 17(5), 854; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17050854 - 28 Feb 2025

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 4546

Abstract

Background/Objectives: The Ministry of Health and Education in Saudi Arabia established school canteen guidelines that have been mandatory since 2014. Only one previous study has investigated the compliance of public high schools with these guidelines. The aim of this study is to explore public primary school compliance with the school canteen policy guidelines set by the Saudi Ministry of Health and Education. Methods: A cross-sectional study with a total of 80 public primary schools randomly selected from five regions in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, was conducted. School canteens were explored using a school canteen checklist provided by the Ministry of Education. The checklist contains a list of items grouped into healthy and unhealthy foods. A final assessment for alignment with the checklist was classified as either poor, average, or good. Canteen staff were provided with a structured questionnaire on the day of the school visit to gather their opinions and feedback regarding the canteen. Results: A total of 70% of schools showed an average rating for alignment with the Ministry of Health and Education guidelines; however, most of the items available in canteens were unhealthy. The canteen staff recommended adding healthier options like milk, fruit, and vegetables to school canteens. Furthermore, canteen staff reported issues in regard to expensive foods and a lack of choice in healthy food options. Conclusions: This study has shown that public primary schools in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), have an average rating alignment with the Ministry of Health and Education’s school food policy guidelines. This study highlights the need for improvement in the Saudi Ministry of Education’s checklist, particularly regarding the availability of healthy foods, including milk, fruits, vegetables, and other nutritious items. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Policies of Promoting Healthy Eating)

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17 pages, 331 KB

Open AccessReview

Micronutrient Differences in Conventionally and Organically Produced Foods

by Vaishnavi Balaji, Maja Chec, Raaga Brahmadevi, Steven Holladay and Krzysztof Czaja

Nutrients 2026, 18(1), 84; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18010084 - 26 Dec 2025

Viewed by 540

Abstract

Organic foods are often more expensive because the use of synthetic pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers is prohibited, and production generally requires more labor. Consumers may feel that organically produced foods are healthier than conventionally produced; however, studies on nutritional value are mixed. This review examines existing reports of micronutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and other bioactive compounds, in plant- and animal-based foods from organic and conventional systems. A literature review was conducted using keywords related to micronutrients, organic farming, and conventional farming. Because the number of available studies was limited, no publication date restrictions were applied. After a preliminary screening of abstracts to determine their relevance to the study’s purpose, 120 articles were included. Reports are reviewed describing higher amounts of vitamin C, vitamin E, magnesium, iron, and polyphenols in organic produce and of certain animal products showing more antioxidants or fat-soluble vitamins. At the same time, many studies found no noteworthy differences, and some authors report higher nutrient levels in conventionally raised foods. Factors such as soil fertility, fertilizer use, and climate conditions may then influence micronutrient food content as much or more than farming methods. While organic foods may sometimes provide enhanced micronutrient levels, the overall evidence from existing literature does not support a consistent nutritional advantage associated with organic production. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Policies of Promoting Healthy Eating)

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