Using a Simplified Nutritional Point System Fails to Alter Food Choices with College Students

To increase healthy food choices, research must examine those variables that influence food choice. These variables include preference between two options and the substitutability of those options. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of the NuVal® System on food choice by evaluating food choices across two alternating meal conditions while considering preference and substitutability. Results from seven participants indicated that food choice across the meal conditions did not significantly change as a function of the NuVal® System, despite changes in preferences and participant rankings of the substitutability of the food options. A visual and statistical analysis of the data indicated that the NuVal® System did not effectively improve the overall healthfulness of each of the participants’ meals. Suggestions for future research are provided, and include single case, longitudinal studies that examine changes in preference and substitutability of certain food items over time.