NCT07227519

Effects of UPF Warning Labels on Social Media Among Teens and Young Adults

Online Randomized Experiment Evaluating Ultra-Processed Food Warning Labels on Social Media Posts Among Teens and Young Adults

• Status: Not Yet Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 1,000 (estimated)
• Sponsor: University of Tennessee · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 13 Years – 29 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Accepted

Summary

This study aims to evaluate whether Ultra-Processed Food (UPF) warning labels on social media posts improve consumer understanding and influence purchase intentions among teens and young adults. Participants aged 13-29 in the United States will be recruited and randomized into two groups: a control group (no label) and an intervention group (UPF warning). Participants will view social media posts featuring UPFs with or without warning labels and respond to survey questions following each post.

Detailed description

This study is designed to assess the effect of a highly visible UPF warning label on social media posts among adolescents and young adults in the United States. we will recruit approximately 500 US teens aged 13-17 and 500 young adults aged 18-29. Participants will complete a between-subjects online randomized experiment. They will be randomized into either a UPF warning label group or a no label control group. Participants will view four social media posts featuring UPFs (with or without warning labels based on their assigned group) in random order. These posts are based on real Instagram advertisements from leading food and beverage companies; two posts will feature sugar-sweetened beverages and two will feature fast-food menu items. After viewing each post, participants will answer questions assessing consumer understanding, purchase intentions, and perceived healthfulness. At the end of the survey, all participants will also respond to questions regarding perceptions of control over healthy eating, policy support for UPF warnings, and their understanding of the term "ultra-processed food."

Conditions

• Nutrition
• Healthy Diet
• Food Preferences

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
BEHAVIORAL	UPF Warning Labels	Participants will view four Instagram posts featuring UPFs, displayed with warning labels
BEHAVIORAL	No Labels (Control)	Participants will view four Instagram posts featuring UPFs, displayed without warning labels

Timeline

• Start date: 2025-12-01
• Primary completion: 2025-12-20
• Completion: 2025-12-20
• First posted: 2025-11-12
• Last updated: 2025-12-02

Locations

1 site across 1 country: United States