The effect of Nutri-Score nutrition label and hedonic hunger on chocolate snack choice of university students living in dormitories

Purpose This study was planned to evaluate the effect of Nutri-Score on health perception, taste perception and purchase intention of the product in university students living in dormitories. It was also aimed to evaluate the effect of hedonic hunger on food choice. Design/methodology/approach The study was conducted on 217 individuals. The socio-demographic characteristics of the participants, their attitudes towards nutrition labels, attention to nutrition labels, eating habits, hedonic hunger states, and their responses to the Nutri-Score labelled and unlabelled status of the products were evaluated. The Power of Food Scale determined hedonic hunger status. Findings Consumer opinions have shown a positive change in the health perception of the B-labelled product. While there was a positive change in the health perception, taste perception and purchase intention of the E-labelled product, a negative change was observed in the C-labelled product. The opinions of individuals with and without hedonic hunger showed a positive change in the health perception of the B-labelled product. The opinions of individuals with hedonic hunger in health perception, taste perception and purchasing intention changed positively in the E-labelled product and negatively in the C-labelled product. Originality/value This study is among the first to examine how Nutri-Score influences food choices in Türkiye, particularly in individuals with hedonic hunger. It uniquely explores the effectiveness of food labels in guiding healthier choices despite the desire for rewarding foods, filling a gap in the existing literature.