Year: 2016
Type: article
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Healthy default food choices have been suggested as a way to encourage better nutrition without restricting choice. Will they work with children and their favorite foods? METHODS: A group of children, 6-8 years old, were treated to lunch at fast food restaurant on 2 days 2 weeks apart. On both days the children were served chicken nuggets and a drink. On the first day, half were given French fries unless they asked for apple slices and the other half were given apples unless they asked for fries. The order switched on the second day. RESULTS: When the default changed from fries to apples, 86.7 % opted out of the default to order fries. CONCLUSION: Defaults may be ineffective when children have a strong preference for the less healthy option. Allowing children to take both sides may lead to healthier consumption than constructing an artificial default choice.
Source: BMC Research Notes
Authors: Brian Wansink, David R. Just
Institution: Cornell University
Language: English
Subfield: Nutrition and Dietetics
Field: Nursing
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,690
OpenAlex ID: W2345791922