A rapid review examining purchasing changes resulting from fiscal measures targeted at high sugar food and non-alcoholic drinks

Roberts, K.; McGowan, V.J.; Machaira, T.; Ells, L.J.

Abstract

To aim of the review was to examine the most recent (2010 onwards) research evidence on the health and behavioural impacts, in adults and children, of fiscal strategies that target high sugar foods and sugar-sweetened drinks (SSDs). A pragmatic rapid review was undertaken using a systematic search strategy. The review was part of a programme of work to support policy development in relation to high sugar food and SSDs. A total of 11 primary research publications were included, describing evidence from France (n = 1), the Netherlands (n = 3), and the United States of America (n = 7), assessed through a variety of study designs, with the majority in adult populations (n = 10). The evidence reviewed focused on consumer behaviour outcomes and suggested that fiscal strategies can influence purchases of high sugar products. Although the majority of studies (n = 10), including three field studies, demonstrated that an increase in the price of high sugar foods and SSDs resulted in a decrease in purchases, eight studies were conducted in a laboratory or virtual setting which may not reflect real-life situations. Findings from this review support evidence from the broader literature that suggests that fiscal measures can be effective in influencing the purchasing of high sugar foods and SSDs.

Citation

Roberts, K., McGowan, V., Machaira, T., & Ells, L. (2017). A rapid review examining purchasing changes resulting from fiscal measures targeted at high sugar food and non-alcoholic drinks. Nutrition and Diabetes, 7, Article 302. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41387-017-0001-1

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jul 24, 2017
• Online Publication Date: Dec 15, 2017
• Publication Date: Dec 15, 2017
• Deposit Date: Jun 13, 2016
• Publicly Available Date: Jan 17, 2018
• Journal: Nutrition and Diabetes
• Publisher: Springer Nature [academic journals on nature.com]
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 7
• Article Number: 302
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41387-017-0001-1