Published: October 2022

ID #: 76336

Journal: JAMA Netw Open

Authors: Musicus AA, Roberto CA, Moran AJ, Sorscher S, Greenthal E, Rimm EB

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Fruit drinks are widely consumed by young children, and many parents mistakenly believe that these drinks are healthy, potentially due to front-of-package claims and imagery. This study aims to assess the effects of a front-of-package 100% vitamin C claim, fruit imagery, percentage juice and teaspoons of added sugar disclosures, and high–added sugar warnings on parents’ choices, knowledge, and perceptions of beverages. A randomized clinical trial was conducted May to July 2021 as a single-exposure (no follow-up) online survey of primary caregivers of children ages 0 to 5 years throughout the U.S. The findings suggest that added sugar warnings and prohibitions of front-of-package claims and imagery may reduce parents’ purchases of high–added sugar beverages for their young children but that percentage juice disclosures may not change behavior.

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