New Findings
Using Behavioral Economics to Improve Meal Selection
By David R. Just & Brian Wansink — Choices, 2009
Economists and psychologists are developing a new set of tools that promise to help negotiate between the need for more nutritious school lunches and the financial burden this implies.
When Nudging in the Lunch Line Might Be a Good Thing
By Lisa Mancino & Joanne Guthrie — Amber Waves, 2009
Skillful application of behavioral economic theory may be able to help schoolchildren make healthier food choices.
Small Steps Towards a Smarter Lunchroom: A Case Study
By Jenny Lee — Cornell Food & Brand Lab, 2009
A case study of a school's lunchroom and suggestions for improvement.
Could Behavioral Economics Help Improve Diet Quality for Nutrition Assistance Program Participants?
By David R. Just, Lisa Mancino, & Brian Wansink — USDA Economic Research Report, 2007
You might have debit cards or pin numbers in your cafeteria, but if you make people pay hard-earned cash for your less healthy items, like desserts or soft drinks, they eat less and they instead buy healthier fair.
The Name Game
By Brian Wansink — Mindless Eating – Chapter 6, 2007
Giving vegetables cool names, like "X-Ray Vision Carrots" nearly doubled how much preschoolers took and ate — even days later they ate 50% more. But beware, calling an item "Food of the Day" backfired.
How descriptive food names bias sensory perceptions in restaurants
By Brian Wansink, Koert van Ittersum, & James E. Painter — Food Quality and Preference, 2005
When "Vegetable Soup" suddenly turned into a "Rich Vegetable Medley Soup," sales increased 28% and ratings of the soup, the lunchroom, and the chef increased.
