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Present Bias in Choices over Food and Money

Author

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  • Danzer, Alexander M.

    (Catholic University of Eichstätt-Ingolstadt)

  • Zeidler, Helen

    (Technical University of Munich)

Abstract

This paper investigates time inconsistencies in food consumption based on a field experiment at a college canteen where participants repeatedly select and consume lunch menus. The design features a convex non-monetary budget in a natural environment and satisfies the consume-on-receipt assumption. Leveraging 3,666 choices of different food healthiness, we find no time inconsistency at the meal level. Utility weight estimates at the dish level reveal that consumers balance healthiness between food categories. Individuals who exert self-control take up a commitment device as soon as available, while non-committers are present-biased. Dynamic inconsistencies in food and money choices are independent.

Suggested Citation

  • Danzer, Alexander M. & Zeidler, Helen, 2024. "Present Bias in Choices over Food and Money," IZA Discussion Papers 17415, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp17415
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    field experiment; dynamic inconsistency; commitment; food consumption;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D12 - Microeconomics - - Household Behavior - - - Consumer Economics: Empirical Analysis
    • D01 - Microeconomics - - General - - - Microeconomic Behavior: Underlying Principles
    • C93 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Field Experiments
    • D91 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics - - - Role and Effects of Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Factors on Decision Making
    • I12 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health Behavior

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