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Effectiveness of front-of-pack nutritional labels: evidence from Sugar-sweetened beverages in China

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  • Lijun Guan
  • Wen Lin
  • Shaosheng Jin

Abstract

This study investigates the effectiveness of various front-of-pack labels in influencing individuals’ healthy food valuations, in the context of sugar-sweetened beverage consumption in China. Using a between-subject design and an online discrete choice experiment, we test six nutrition labels categorized as nutrient-specific FOP labels (traffic light label, warning label, nutrition claims) and summary FOP labels (health-tick label, physical activity labels), and non-interpretative labels (nutrition facts panel). Empirical results from a sample of 1,800 urban Chinese consumers revealed that the most effective front-of-pack nutrition label is the warning label, followed by traffic light labels and health-tick labels. Warning label treatment yields the greatest decline in consumer willingness to pay for both high-sugar and excessive-sugar beverage products. In contrast, physical-activity labels and nutrition claims have lower effectiveness in discouraging the valuation of high-sugar beverages, but the two labels still outperform the conventional and back-of-pack nutrition facts panels. Policy implications for promoting healthy food choices are discussed in light of these findings.

Suggested Citation

  • Lijun Guan & Wen Lin & Shaosheng Jin, 2025. "Effectiveness of front-of-pack nutritional labels: evidence from Sugar-sweetened beverages in China," Applied Economics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 57(35), pages 5344-5358, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:applec:v:57:y:2025:i:35:p:5344-5358
    DOI: 10.1080/00036846.2024.2364923
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