The Impact of Nutrition Facts Panel Accessibility on Consumer Choices in Online Grocery Shopping

While Nutrition Facts Panels (NFPs) are mandated by the FDA for packaged foods in physical retail, their regulation in online environments remains unaddressed. This study examines how NFP accessibility affects consumer purchase decisions in online grocery shopping, where NFP presentation is inconsistent and often absent. Despite online grocery sales reaching $201 billion in 2023, no research has investigated the relationship between NFP accessibility and consumer choices in digital grocery stores. Using a real choice experiment, participants make actual purchase decisions while we manipulate NFP presence and placement. The study addresses three research questions: (1) whether NFPs should be mandated for online food retail, (2) whether NFP prominence affects consumer decisions, and (3) whether simplified nutrition indicators enhance online shopping choices. This investigation is particularly timely given the FDA's January 2025 proposal for front-of-package nutrition labeling, which emphasizes immediate visibility of key nutritional information but has unknown implications for consumer behavior. Our research design differs from previous studies by testing actual purchase behavior rather than stated preferences, evaluating various NFP placements, and examining simplified nutrition formats. Results will inform policymakers in developing regulations for online food retail and help retailers design effective strategies for presenting nutritional information. The findings are especially relevant as online grocery shopping continues to expand, making digital nutrition labeling an increasingly important public health concern.