Adult’s food label awareness: scale development and validation

Purpose This study aimed to develop and validate the Food Label Awareness Scale (FLAS) to comprehensively assess adults’ food label reading habits and expectations. Design/methodology/approach The FLAS was developed based on a literature review and expert input. Initial item generation was followed by expert evaluations for content and face validity. Data were collected through structured face-to-face interviews using the preliminary version of the FLAS and a sociodemographic questionnaire. A total of 300 adults aged 20–65 years participated. Food label awareness was assessed based on the three subdimensions: (1) product packaging and ingredients, (2) nutrition and health and (3) product brand. In addition, participants’ age, gender and education level were recorded. Cronbach’s alpha assessed internal consistency. Reliability was supported by comparing the highest and lowest 27% of total scores. Associations between demographics and subdimension scores were tested using appropriate statistical methods. Findings The finalized 18-item FLAS demonstrated a three-factor structure with acceptable model fit and internal consistency. Older adults had higher awareness of packaging and ingredients. Lower education was associated with greater reliance on product brand. Research limitations/implications A primary limitation is the geographically restricted sample, which may limit the generalizability of the findings. Originality/value This study is original in developing a valid and reliable scale specifically measuring adults’ awareness of food label reading – an area less explored in the literature, which mostly emphasizes general nutrition knowledge or label reading frequency.