Consumers' use of nutritional labels while food shopping and at home

This study examines the impact of sociodemographic and nutrition/health related factors on consumers' use of nutritional labels while food shopping, at home, and when comparing nutrients for different brands of the same foods. The results generally suggest that unemployed individuals and those who place greater importance on nutrition while shopping and following the dietary guidelines are more likely to use nutritional labels while shopping, at home, or when comparing brands. Findings also indicate that education has a positive impact on the likelihood of using labels at home. The amount of time a consumer spends on shopping, primary source of nutritional information, special diet status, and consumer's perception of the importance of price and taste when shopping are also significant factors.