College Student's Fast-Food Choices and the Influence of Calorie Labeling

Presenter Information

Sarah Schellinger, Minnesota State University, Mankato
Amanda Heffner, Minnesota State University, Mankato
Katherin Mondry, Minnesota State University, Mankato
Cody Rose, Minnesota State University, Mankato
Chelsea Cortez, Minnesota State University, Mankato

Location

CSU Ballroom

Start Date

16-4-2013 2:00 PM

End Date

16-4-2013 4:00 PM

Student's Major

Family Consumer Science

Student's College

Allied Health and Nursing

Mentor's Name

Susan Fredstrom

Mentor's Department

Family Consumer Science

Mentor's College

Allied Health and Nursing

Description

Objective: The Affordable Care Act of 2010 require that food vendors with 20 or more outlets post calories on menus. Research was done to investigate how calorie labeling on menus influence college student’s food choices in fast food establishments. Variables used included gender, prior nutrition education level, and college within MSU-Mankato. Methods: Online survey of 117 respondents and focus groups were conducted, with 28 participants. Results: Online survey showed 64% of respondents look at the calorie labeling when making food choices, however, it only affects 50% of them. A statistical analysis of menu activity in focus groups determined that students from different colleges within MSU-Mankato (P = 0.875) and gender (P = 0.931) does not affect students’ food choices when calories are shown on menus. Focus group statements showed that calorie counting and nutritional consideration is too subjective and varies from person to person.

Conclusions and Implications: Calorie labeling, although useful and affective for some, did not significantly affect the food choices made by MSU-Mankato students. In addition, these food choices were not statistically different between genders or colleges. Findings from focus group discussions show that the Health Care Act will only affect some individuals and further studies are needed to determine whether more nutrition education is necessary for the Affordable Care Act of 2010 to make an impact on students’ food choices.