How images on cake mix boxes can lead us to overeat

When estimating portion size, we may be more influenced by food images on the packaging than by the listed serving size leading us to serve more than is recommended. When additional food items are depicted on packages we are even more likely to overserve!
Cornell researchers found that depictions of frosted cake on cake mix boxes can cause consumers to significantly overestimate the appropriate serving size. However, when the phrase “frosting not included on the nutritional labeling,” appeared on the box, estimation of an appropriate serving size was significantly reduced. An article about the research is published in Public Health Nutrition (News Item Cornell University).
Click here for the news item.
Click here for the published article (480 kB).
Click here for a corrigendum published in April 2017.

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