Journal article

Publication year: 2017

Pages: 1-10

Journal: Food Policy

Volume number: 69

ISSN: 0306-9192

DOI Link: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodpol.2017.01.007

Publisher: Elsevier

Abstract: 
All over the world, nations are using "health nudges" to promote healthier food choices and to reduce the health care costs of obesity and non-communicable diseases. In some circles, the relevant reforms are controversial. On the basis of nationally representative online surveys, we examine whether Europeans favour such nudges. The simplest answer is that majorities in six European nations (Denmark, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, and the UK) do so. We find majority approval for a series of nudges, including educational messages in movie theaters, calorie and warning labels, store placement promoting healthier food, sweet-free supermarket cashiers and meat-free days in cafeterias. At the same time, we find somewhat lower approval rates in Hungary and Denmark. An implication for policymakers is that citizens are highly likely to support health nudges. An implication for further research is the importance of identifying the reasons for cross-national differences, where they exist. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Harvard Citation style: Reisch, L., Sunstein, C. and Gwozdz, W. (2017) Beyond carrots and sticks: Europeans support health nudges, Food Policy, 69, pp. 1-10. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodpol.2017.01.007

APA Citation style: Reisch, L., Sunstein, C., & Gwozdz, W. (2017). Beyond carrots and sticks: Europeans support health nudges. Food Policy. 69, 1-10. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodpol.2017.01.007