Nudge and choice architecture interventions for increasing fruit and vegetables intake in primary age children

Abstract

ABSTRACT Context: Studies have consistently indicated that most children of primary school age do not eat a sufficient amount of fruit and vegetables to provide them with a healthful, balanced diet. Thus, schools are a key environment for promoting healthy eating habits to children. Aim: The purpose of this study is to determine whether low-cost behavioural interventions, like nudging and choice architecture, can increase children’s selection and consumption of fruit and vegetables. Method: Two primary schools in North Wales were randomly chosen to be either the control or the intervention group for the experiment. The intervention contained better positioning and serving of fruit and vegetables as well as the use of attractive labelling of both fruit and vegetables. Employing a validated photographic method, children’s consumption of fruit and vegetables were measured. Additionally, the modifications were only made to the choice architecture of the school canteen in the intervention school, carried out over a seven-day period. Results: Significant improvements were found in the intervention condition for children’s selection and consumption of both fruit and vegetables. The increase in the selection and the consumption of fruit and vegetables between participants were much higher compared with their baseline. Conclusion: The use of low-cost interventions including nudges and improvements in choice architecture in the school canteen can significantly increase children’s selection and consumption of fruit and vegetables.