Nudging for impact: beyond the immediate effectiveness of nudge interventions promoting healthy food intake

Abstract

Objective: To provide a micro-investigation into the long-term effects and process of implementation of a nudge intervention on food choice in sports canteens.Design: Multi-method case study.Setting: Eight products were added to the range of foods and drinks in two football canteens in the Netherlands for 3 and 15 weeks, serving as a baseline period. In the intervention period, these products were promoted with the use of salience, scarcity, availability and default nudges, for 26 and 16 weeks, respectively. Aside from the collection of sales and revenue data, reach, acceptability, adherence and applicability were measured using observations, questionnaires and interviews.Participants: Questionnaires were filled in by 70 and 59 visitors of the canteens. Four interviews were held with board members and canteen personnel.Results: Mixed results were obtained regarding the suitability of nudges to be used to promote healthy eating in sports clubs. Sales and revenue data did show positive trends, the intervention was seen as acceptable by all stakeholders and the intervention had a large reach. However, adherence to the intervention in both canteens and the effects of the nudges on the total consumption pattern were low. Factors were identified that promoted or hindered the intervention at an individual, interventional and organisational level. Conclusion:Nudges seem to be a valuable addition to other efforts to combat unhealthy eating. However, the extent of their impact as a single intervention tool is limited in the current foodabundant environment.