Non-nutritive Sweetener Labels for Healthy Eating

Overseen By Aline D'Angelo Campos, MPP

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

Disqualifiers: Under 18, Not parent, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores how different warning labels on non-nutritive sweeteners (NNS), such as sugar substitutes, affect parents' food choices for their children in Chile. Researchers aim to determine if these labels help parents identify foods containing these sweeteners and if it influences their purchasing decisions. Participants will be randomly assigned to view one of three label types on products and will select items they would buy for their child. The trial seeks parents in Chile with children aged 2-14 who do not have diabetes or related conditions. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity for parents to contribute to research that could impact food labeling and enhance children's health.

Do I have to stop taking my current medications for this trial?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It seems focused on evaluating sweetener labels, so it's unlikely to require changes to your medication.

What prior data suggests that these non-nutritive sweetener labels are safe for use in this study?

Research shows that non-nutritive sweeteners (NNS) are commonly used in foods and drinks, especially in countries like Chile and Colombia. Studies have examined the safety and effects of these sweeteners. In Chile, there is concern that children might consume more NNS than is safe. Some studies suggest a link between NNS and health issues like metabolic syndrome, which affects sugar metabolism, but results remain inconclusive.

In Colombia, warning labels about NNS have helped people identify products with high sugar and sweetener content. These labels influence buying decisions, encouraging healthier choices. While the focus is on how labels affect purchasing behavior, it is important to note that both countries widely use NNS, and they have been present in many foods for years.

Overall, NNS are considered safe for most people, but moderation is key. Those with specific health concerns should consult a healthcare provider before making dietary changes. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about this trial because it explores how different labeling of non-nutritive sweeteners can influence healthier eating choices. Unlike traditional nutritional labels, which can be complex and hard to interpret, these new labels aim to be clear and intuitive, potentially making it easier for consumers to make informed decisions. By examining both the Chilean and Colombian labeling systems, the trial seeks to identify which approach might be more effective in guiding healthier eating habits, providing valuable insights that could lead to improved dietary guidelines and public health strategies.

What evidence suggests that non-nutritive sweetener labels are effective for improving product identification and selection?

This trial will compare the effects of different non-nutritive sweetener labels on healthy eating. Research has shown that labels on non-nutritive sweeteners (NNS) can guide people toward healthier food choices. In Chile, studies have found that warning labels led to reduced purchases of products high in sugar and other unhealthy ingredients. Seeing a warning label prompts consumers to reconsider buying these items. Similarly, in Colombia, warning labels have helped people identify foods high in sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats, making them less likely to purchase these products. Overall, NNS labels in both Chile and Colombia have shown promise in encouraging healthier eating habits. ^{3 6 7 8 9}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Lindsey Smith Taillie, PhD

Principal Investigator

University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for Chilean parents who are interested in healthy eating. The study aims to understand if different labels on sweeteners can help them recognize and choose products for their children. There's no specific inclusion or exclusion criteria provided, suggesting a broad participant base.

Inclusion Criteria

Residing in Chile

I am the parent of a child aged 2-14 without any diabetes diagnosis.

Exclusion Criteria

I do not have a child aged 2-14 without diabetes or related conditions.

Not residing in Chile

I am under 18 years old.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

1 week

Intervention

Participants complete an online randomized experiment viewing assigned labels on products and complete selection/identification tasks

1 week

One-time online session

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for their intentions to limit non-nutritive sweetener consumption and perceived message effectiveness

1 week

One-time online survey

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Non-nutritive Sweetener Labels

Trial Overview The study is testing the effectiveness of two types of non-nutritive sweetener warning labels from Chile and Colombia. Parents will be shown these labels on various products to see if it helps identify NNS content and influences their product choice for kids.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Colombian non-nutritive sweetener label Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Group II: Chilean non-nutritive sweetener label Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Group III: Control Active Control 1 Intervention

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,588

Recruited

4,364,000+

Instituto de Nutrición y Tecnología de los Alimentos

Collaborator

Trials

12

Recruited

9,000+

Bloomberg Philanthropies

Collaborator

Trials

5

Recruited

19,900+

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9852898/

Eating contexts determine the efficacy of nutrient warning ... These data suggest that the efficacy of NWL to drive healthy food choices increases in a healthy eating context, whereas NWL are less effective in typical or ...

2. frontiersin.org frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2021.773450/full

Changes in the Use of Non-nutritive Sweeteners ... We found six of the eight Chilean approved NNS types in our food and beverage sample, sucralose, acesulfame-K, aspartame, stevia, saccharin, and ...

3. ijbnpa.biomedcentral.com ijbnpa.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12966-023-01445-x

Changes in children's and adolescents' dietary intake after the ... This study's objective was to assess changes in child and adolescent intake of key nutrients of concern (total sugars, saturated fats, and sodium) at school

4. thelancet.com thelancet.com/journals/lanplh/article/PIIS2542-51962100172-8/fulltext

Changes in food purchases after the Chilean policies on ... The Chilean phase 1 law of food labelling and advertising policies were associated with reduced high-in purchases, leading to declines in purchased nutrients ...

5. mdpi.com mdpi.com/2072-6643/12/6/1594

Intake of Non-Nutritive Sweeteners in Chilean Children ... Sucralose had the highest consumption frequency reaching 99.2%, followed by acesulfame-K (92.8%), stevia (86.0%), and aspartame (85.2%). Aspartame ...

6. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7352803/

Intake of Non-Nutritive Sweeteners in Chilean Children ... Many of these products are consumed by children, who are at greater risk of reaching the acceptable daily intake (ADI) of these food additives.

7. journals.lww.com journals.lww.com/immunometabolism/fulltext/2025/04000/impacts_of_non_nutritive_sweeteners_on_the_human.3.aspx

Impacts of non-nutritive sweeteners on the human ... Human cohort studies suggest that NNS contribute to, rather than prevent, metabolic syndrome, whereas randomized controlled trials yield heterogeneous outcomes.

8. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7311776/

Overuse of Non-caloric Sweeteners in Foods and ... This study aims to identify the NCS-containing products from different food/beverage categories currently available on the Chilean market.

9. mdpi.com mdpi.com/2072-6643/12/6/1594/review_report

Intake of Non-Nutritive Sweeteners in Chilean Children ... This is a very interesting study looking at the impact of food policy on intake of non-nutritive sweeteners in children in Chile. I think this ...