Exploring how young consumers processing snack packaging cues from a phenomenological perspective

Abstract

Obesity has become one of the most significant nutritional problems facing global populations. In the UK, the obesity rates have been on a steady rise, with young adults aged 16-24 being subject to a high risk of becoming obese (Mintel, 2013). This age group displays weaker attitudes towards healthy living than elderly people, and a strong tendency towards snacking. Kerr et al. (2008) observes an increase in snacking, snacking portions, and snacking frequency. Crisps and chocolate are some of the major energy-dense snacks that cause obesity (Astrup et al., 2006), when coupling with over consumption and lack of physical activity. One of the interventions implemented by policy makers in an attempt to encourage consumers to adopt healthy dietary choices is nutrition labelling (NL). The UK was one of the main instigators of the development of nutrition labelling within the European Community (Shine et al., 1997).