Trap in the store - what "healthy" labels on products hide
The article discusses the marketing "halo effect": labels like "sugar-free" or "natural" make consumers perceive a product as healthier than it actually is. Studies show that only a third of products with such labels are truly healthy. The author references researcher Belén Beltramo and the FDA's updated guidelines but notes that many terms remain unregulated.
The article "Trap in the store - what 'healthy' labels on products hide" on Cursor Info examines the marketing phenomenon known as the "halo effect." According to research, a single positive label on packaging—"sugar-free," "high in protein," "natural"—unconsciously leads consumers to believe the entire product is healthier, lower in calories, and suitable for daily consumption. The author cites researcher Belén Beltramo (Bioengineer) and a study by Schuldt, which showed that the "organic" label influences perceptions of taste and health benefits regardless of actual composition. It is noted that at the end of 2024, the FDA updated the definition of the word "healthy," but dozens of other terms, including "natural," remain without clear regulation. Examples from Chile and Mexico are given as alternatives, where warning labels are used on products high in sugar, salt, or fat. A study in the Journal of Marketing Research confirms that such labels increase sales, providing direct benefits to manufacturers. People with low food literacy, who rarely read the ingredient list on the back, are particularly vulnerable. The author is Vlad Tsufer.