Promoting Healthier Meal Selection and Intake Among Children in Restaurants: Protocol for a Cluster-Randomized Trial.

ABSTRACT:

Background

US children's diets are high in calories and are of poor nutritional quality, and a likely contributing factor is the consumption of food from restaurants. While children readily accept the sweet and salty foods that characterize restaurant children's menus, research shows that their taste preferences are malleable, and regular exposure to healthier foods can promote their acceptance.

Objective

We describe a cluster-randomized controlled trial testing the effects of behavioral intervention strategies (choice architecture and repeated exposure) on ordering and dietary intake among children in restaurants and present baseline demographic data for the study cohort.

Methods

Six locations of a regional quick-service restaurant chain were randomized to the interv

SUBMITTER: Anzman-Frasca S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12552822 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature