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Objectives: This study assessed food label reading habits and understanding of nutrition information on food labels by higher income adults in India. Design: It involved a cross-sectional study using non-probability purposive sampling. Setting: Data were collected by mixed methods approach between March 2019 and February 2020. Adults were selected from housing colonies in four geographical zones of Delhi, India. Method: A total of 589 adults (20–40 years) belonging to upper middle-income and high-income groups were selected. Associations between gender, family income, age, marital status, and label reading habits were assessed using Chi-square tests. Demographic predictors of food label reading habits were identified using binary logistic regression with a level of significance set at p Results: Participants read the food labels (79%) and noticed the nutrient claims (76%) on food labels. Female participants were more likely to understand nutrition information as compared with male participants (odds ratio [OR] = 1.52, p = .04). Female participants were also more likely to notice the nutrient claims on the packet of food products (OR = 1.99, p Conclusion: Consumers look for nutrition information on food labels. They value healthier food alternatives but most are unable to decipher the nutrition labels. Food labels should communicate the healthfulness of products in a straightforward manner to enable better food choices.

Dietary transition towards an increase in the consumption of energy dense foods, foods high in fat, sugar and salt have led to increased risk of diet related non-communicable diseases. The present study reviewed existing nutrient profiling models, developing were across various parts of the world. A total of 422 studies was identified and finally 33 studies were selected for this review. Papers spanned over a period of 1998-2018. Nutrient profile models rank foods according to healthfulness and were developed to help the consumer in making better food choices. They have also been used to regulate the marketing of food products to children. The objective of using the model determines the composition of the model, the nutrients incorporated, the cut offs used and choice of reference base. Studies have validated few of the existing nutrient profiling models. At present, there is no such universal nutrient profile model that can be applied across the globe.

BACKGROUND: India has seen a rise in consumption of foods high in fat, sugar, and salt that increases risk of diet-related noncommunicable diseases. Information on the drivers that determine food choices among adults will provide insights for policymakers to promote healthier food selection. OBJECTIVE: This study assessed the determinants of food choices among adults in India. METHODS: A cross-sectional study with a nonprobability purposive sampling technique in which adults were selected from residential colonies belonging to the 4 geographic zones of the city Delhi, India. Data was collected using a mixed methods approach on a total of 589 adults (20–40 y) belonging to upper-middle-income and high-income groups. Data was analyzed by the principal component analysis, chi-squared test, and logistic regression with a level of significance set at P value of < 0.05. RESULTS: Most influential factors of food choices were brand (30%), nutritive value (22%), and taste (20%). The 3 factors that emerged from principal component analysis that determine food choices among adults were “individual,” “social,” and “food quality/wholesomeness.” Focus group discussions also showed that the majority of participants were influenced by the “brand,” “nutritive value,” and “taste” of the food product while making food choices. Food choices were influenced by the company the person was eating food with, i.e., family members or friends. The cost of the food product was also an important driver of food choices among younger adults. CONCLUSION: Public health policy should utilize the determinants of food choices to bring about changes in the food environment by increasing the availability of healthier yet tasty food, bearing the cost in mind.