Experimental research on the relation between food price changes and food purchasing patterns: a targeted review

L.H. Epstein*, N. Jankowiak, C. Nederkoorn, H Raynor, S.A. French, E. Finkelstein

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journal(Systematic) Review article peer-review

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Abstract

One way in which to modify food purchases is to change prices through tax policy, subsidy policy, or both. We reviewed the growing body of experimental research conducted in the laboratory and in the field that investigates the following: the extent to which price changes influence purchases of targeted and nontargeted foods, total energy, or macronutrients purchased; the interaction of price changes with adjunctive interventions; and moderators of sensitivity to price changes. After a brief overview of economic principles and Observational research that addresses these issues, we present a targeted review of experimental research. Experimental research suggests that price changes modify purchases of targeted foods, but research on the overall nutritional quality of purchases is mixed because of substitution effects. There is mixed support for combining price changes with adjunctive interventions, and there are no replicated findings on moderators to price sensitivity in experiments. Additional focused research is needed to better inform food policy development with the aim of improving eating behavior and preventing obesity. Am J Gun Nutr 2012;95:789-809.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)789-809
Number of pages21
JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition
Volume95
Issue number4
Early online date29 Feb 2012
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Apr 2012

Keywords

  • ENERGY-DENSE FOODS
  • FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES
  • HIGH-SCHOOL CAFETERIAS
  • LOW-INCOME WOMEN
  • NUTRIENT-RICH FOODS
  • NUTRITIONAL QUALITY INDEX
  • SNACK FOODS
  • SOFT DRINKS
  • SUGAR-SWEETENED BEVERAGES
  • VENDING MACHINES

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