Work

Prevalence of sustainability claims on packaged food

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: Global food systems have a key influence on both health and sustainability. Dietary shifts that promote health and sustainability are regarded as a critical synergistic pathway for advancing human and planetary health. In response, consumer interest in the sustainability of food systems has prompted the use of claims highlighting positive sustainability attributes displayed on-pack. This study assessed the prevalence and types of sustainability claims displayed on packaged food in Australia. DESIGN: Claims data on packaged food were collected at five supermarkets in Sydney in 2024. We determined the prevalence of sustainability claims overall, by claim category and format (text or logo). SETTING: Australia. PARTICIPANTS: None. RESULTS: 16 % of total claims identified on pack, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Frequent use of broad and unspecific sustainability claims raises challenges for substantiation, and there is a risk that consumers are being misled. Our findings support the need for stronger regulation, including criteria for terms used in claims, to improve consumer trust and comparability across products.

Source: Public Health Nutrition

DOI: 10.1017/s1368980026102511

Authors: Mariel Keaney, Eden M. Barrett, Mike Rayner, Simone Pettigrew, Alexandra Jones

Institutions: The George Institute for Global Health, UNSW Sydney, The George Institute for Global Health, University of Oxford

Language: English

Topic: Consumer Attitudes and Food Labeling

Subfield: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Responsible consumption and production, Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,550