Nutrition Facts Labels Linked to Healthier Eating Habits in Texas …


In a significant revelation, a study by researchers at UTHealth Houston has established a link between the usage of Nutrition Facts labels and healthier eating habits among students in the eighth and 11th grades in Texas. The study, headed by Christopher D. Pfledderer, PhD, and senior author Deanna Hoelscher, PhD, assessed the influence of nutrition labels on adolescents’ dietary choices via the Texas School Physical Activity and Nutrition (SPAN) Survey.

Nutrition Facts Labels and Their Role

Since 1990, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has mandated the use of Nutrition Facts labels on most packaged foods. In a bid to make them more comprehensible and informative, the labels underwent a significant revision in 2016. These labels offer information about serving sizes, calories, nutrients, and how diet is associated with chronic diseases.

Insights from the Study

Contrary to expectations, the study found that only 11% of students frequently used nutrition labels, while a significant 61% rarely or never did. However, those who did utilize the labels demonstrated a higher likelihood to consume healthy foods and a lesser propensity for unhealthy foods. Consequently, these students scored higher on the SPAN Healthy Eating and Healthy Food Index and lower on the Unhealthy Foods Index.

A Path to Healthier Choices

These findings drive home the potential benefits of enhancing nutrition literacy and promoting the use of nutrition labels among students. By doing so, there could be a considerable impact on public health and a tangible reduction in chronic disease prevalence. Whether through school-based nutrition education or social media campaigns aimed at secondary students, the study underscores the importance of improving nutrition literacy and encouraging the consistent use of nutrition labels.


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