Nutrition Labeling for Restaurant Menu Items: College Students’ Preferences for Nutrition Information and Its Influence on Purchase Intention

During the college years, young adults develop eating habits and concerns that follow them throughout their lives. Understanding college students’ menu selections in dining-out situations can provide insight into their eating habits. This study aimed to investigate college students’ preferences for types of nutrition information (such as macronutrients and total calories, specific nutrients, and health claims) on restaurant menus, and the impact of nutrition information on purchase intention. The presence of caloric and macronutrient information on restaurant menus was found to significantly affect purchase intention. The findings provide a foundation for future hospitality studies investigating dining-out menus as a persuasive tool for better health, and suggest strategies for industry professionals.