Embedding healthy eating: nudging or toolbox?

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the rationale and limitations of public nudging approaches currently to be found in the UK food choice environment.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses a critical review of the literature with case studies.

Findings

Nudging has potential value to assist healthier food choices, although the current focus of proponents tends to be the individual micro‐environment for selection rather than the wider food choice context. Ethical questions are raised by nudging as a policy and limited evidence of success to date would suggest that a combination of personalised tools and public nudges – individual empowerment and attention to the choice environment – might be more effective for embedded healthier eating.

Originality/value

This paper contrasts the underlying assumptions of the nudge approach by reference to the behavioural toolbox.

Citation

Schröder, M. and Lyon, P. (2013), "Embedding healthy eating: nudging or toolbox?", Nutrition & Food Science, Vol. 43 No. 4, pp. 330-338. https://doi.org/10.1108/NFS-03-2012-0028