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Examining Consumers' Perceptions of the Health Benefits of Products with Fiber Claims
Author(s) -
ZANK GAIL M.,
KEMP ELYRIA
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
journal of consumer affairs
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.582
H-Index - 62
eISSN - 1745-6606
pISSN - 0022-0078
DOI - 10.1111/j.1745-6606.2011.01222.x
Subject(s) - marketing , consumption (sociology) , perception , health benefits , business , health claims on food labels , fiber , advertising , psychology , medicine , food science , sociology , social science , chemistry , neuroscience , traditional medicine , organic chemistry
Many foods, including margarines and sugary cereals that were once viewed as unhealthy, are being reformulated and repositioned as healthier. A number of companies have launched new products touting fiber. Critics express concern that the increased interest in fiber as a marketing claim is not necessarily a good thing for consumers because many companies are using isolated fiber that does not have all the health benefits as naturally occurring fiber. This research examines whether consumers understand information related to fiber claims by specifically examining their perceptions of the nutrition level and health benefits of products with these claims. Additionally, consumption frequency of these products and consumer knowledge about fiber is assessed. Direction for public policy is provided.