The 'healthy = sustainable' heuristic: Effects of health and sustainability labels on perceived sustainability and healthiness of foods.

ABSTRACT: Studies show that foods perceived as healthier are often also seen as more sustainable, suggesting a 'healthy = sustainable' heuristic. However, the direction of this effect remains unclear. This study aims to investigate (1) whether perceived healthiness influences perceived sustainability or whether the reverse effect occurs and (2) whether inter-individual differences, such as health interest, moderate these effects. In an online study, participants (n = 712) were shown pictures of foods with high or low healthiness indices and asked to rate their sustainability. Conversely, they were also shown pictures of foods with high or low sustainability indices and asked to rate their healthiness. Additionally, participants' interest in health and sustainability and their belief in a relationshi

SUBMITTER: Eichin KN 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12120393 | biostudies-literature | 2025 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature