How Visibility and Convenience Influence Candy Consumption

Abstract

This paper addresses two questions: (1) How does the visibility and convenience of a hedonic food influence one’s consumption, and (2) how do these factors influence one’s estimate of how much he or she had consumed? Both questions have important implications for clinicians and for the nutritionally concerned. Answering the first question will show the extent to which two environmental factors (visibility and convenience) influence consumption. Answering the second will show the extent to which consumers overestimate or underestimate the influence of these factors. This is important in helping individuals monitor consumption patterns of which they may be unaware.

Keywords: food selection, hedonic foods, visibility, convenience, food consumption, environmental factors, nutrition, obesity, mindless eating