It is well established that diet plays a major role in overall health.
As a result, researchers continue to investigate how stores can make it easier for customers to choose healthier products, according to News-Medical.
Previous studies have shown that fruit and vegetables rarely receive the most prominent locations in stores.
This is particularly true in discount supermarkets, where many families do their shopping.
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Store-based trial
Researchers monitored 36 discount supermarkets in England. In half of the stores, the fruit and vegetable section was moved closer to the entrance and expanded in size.
A total of 580 customers participated in the study, which was published in Public Health Research. Researchers collected information about their purchases, eating habits, and household food waste.
Following the changes, fruit and vegetables became more visible, while stores also offered a wider selection of these products.
Sales increased
Sales of fruit and vegetables rose the most in stores where these items were placed near the entrance.
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The effect was strongest at the beginning of the trial but diminished over time.
Researchers also observed a modest improvement in diet quality among some participants after six months.
At the same time, increased household waste of fruit and vegetables was recorded later in the study period.
Placing fruit and vegetables near the entrance of a store may encourage more customers to purchase these products and could help support healthier shopping habits.
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Sources: News-Medical and Public Health Research.
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This article is made and published by Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk, who may have used AI in the preparation.