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Food packaging and the color red: How negative cognitive associations influence feelings of guilt

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  • Lunardo, Renaud
  • Saintives, Camille
  • Chaney, Damien

Abstract

The color red widely appears on food packages. However, understanding of the effects of this color on consumers in the context of food packages remains limited. In particular, the literature stresses the need for a better grasp of the underlying mechanisms that explain the effects of this color when used on food packages. Building on the psychological literature on colors and emotions, this research argues that because the color red carries negative meanings related to transgression, it may prompt consumers to feel some guilt about their consumption. Three studies demonstrate the indirect effect of the color red (versus green or blue) on guilt and eventually on choice through the mediating role of negative cognitive associations. The results also highlight the moderating role of perception of the food product as unhealthy, with the color red leading to stronger negative associations and guilt for unhealthy (vs. healthy) products.

Suggested Citation

  • Lunardo, Renaud & Saintives, Camille & Chaney, Damien, 2021. "Food packaging and the color red: How negative cognitive associations influence feelings of guilt," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 134(C), pages 589-600.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jbrese:v:134:y:2021:i:c:p:589-600
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jbusres.2021.05.052
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    6. Tejaswi Patil & Zillur Rahman, 2023. "A bibliometric analysis of scientific literature on guilt in marketing," Management Review Quarterly, Springer, vol. 73(3), pages 1385-1415, September.
    7. Liu, Stephanie Q. & Wu, Laurie Luorong & Yu, Xi & Huang, Huiling, 2022. "Marketing online food images via color saturation: A sensory imagery perspective," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 151(C), pages 366-378.

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