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Impact on product appeal of labeling wine and beer with (a) lower strength alcohol verbal descriptors and (b) percent alcohol by volume (%ABV): An experimental study.

Accepted version
Peer-reviewed

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Authors

Couturier, Dominique-Laurent 
Marteau, Theresa M 

Abstract

Lower strength alcohol products may help reduce alcohol consumption and associated harms. This study assessed the impact of labeling wine and beer with different verbal descriptors denoting lower strength, with and without percent alcohol by volume (%ABV), on product appeal and understanding of strength. Three thousand three hundred ninety adult survey-panel members were randomized to 1 of 18 groups with 1 of 3 levels of verbal descriptor (Low vs. Super Low vs. No verbal descriptor) and 6 levels of %ABV (5 levels varying for wine and beer, and no level given). Products with verbal descriptors denoting lower strength (Low and Super Low) had lower appeal than Regular strength products. Appeal decreased as %ABV decreased. Understanding of strength was generally high across the various drinks with majority of participants correctly identifying or erring on the side of caution when estimating the units and calories in a given drink, appropriateness for consumption by children, and drinking within the driving limit. We discuss the theoretical and policy implications of these findings for public health. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2018 APA, all rights reserved).

Description

Keywords

Adolescent, Adult, Aged, Aged, 80 and over, Alcohol Drinking, Automobile Driving, Beer, Female, Food, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Product Labeling, Wine, Young Adult

Journal Title

Psychol Addict Behav

Conference Name

Journal ISSN

0893-164X
1939-1501

Volume Title

32

Publisher

American Psychological Association (APA)
Sponsorship
Department of Health (PRP number 107001)