The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that governments promote and implement front-of-package (FoP) nutrition labels to prevent noncommunicable diseases. Recently, additional research has focused on various views on FoP label creation. However, few review studies have examined how different FoP labels affect young consumer behavior. Therefore, this study thoroughly analyzed the evidence on how FoP labels in five categories affect young consumer purchasing intention and behavior. We searched for keywords in the Web of Science, Scopus, and EBSCO databases and screened study samples according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. Fourteen studies that matched the criteria were included in this review. We discovered that numerous studies support the efficacy of the “graded indicators” category labels, with the “color-coded” and “positive logos” categories trailing closely behind. The effectiveness of the “warning” FoP label category is mixed on consumers’ healthy purchasing behavior and intention. The numerical FoP labels were most commonly used to indicate ineffectiveness. Future studies should investigate the effects of FoP labels on various subpopulations and conduct thorough evaluations of the design elements of FoP labels. Also, they should offer evidence-based recommendations, supported by both quantitative and qualitative data, for regions that have not yet implemented FoP labeling systems.

Non-communicable diseases have become a global public health challenge, with excessive intake of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) identified as a major dietary risk factor. To promote healthier consumption, front-of-package (FoP) nutrition labels has been widely implemented worldwide. Although China has not yet established a standardized FoP system, the Healthy China 2030 initiative demonstrates the government’s willingness to implement FoP labeling strategies as part of its effort to improve nutrition literacy and encourage healthier food choices. However, limited research has explored how the visual design of FoP warning labels (WLs) affects consumer perception and behavioral intention. To address this gap, the present study employed a 2 × 2 between-subjects quasi-experiment among Chinese Generation Z consumers, manipulating color (black and red) and shape (octagon and shield) of WLs on SSBs. Three dependent variables were measured: perceived attractiveness, perceived healthfulness, and purchase intention. Results showed significant main and interaction effects across all outcomes: red-octagon WLs were most visually attractive, black-octagon WLs most effectively conveyed unhealthfulness, and black-shield WLs most strongly discouraged purchase intention. These findings demonstrate that color and shape jointly shape the perceptual and behavioral impact of FoP WLs. Theoretically, based on cue utilization theory and food label information processing models, this study conceptually explains how visual warning cues influence consumers' perceptions and purchase intentions, and provides practical insights for developing evidence-based FoP policies to reduce SSBs consumption in China.

Product visual strategies (PVS) on food packaging influence how consumers visually inspect products at the point of purchase. However, evidence comparing transparent windows and product images remains mixed, particularly regarding how these strategies interact with food unit size (FUS) and shape visual attention patterns. Moreover, few studies have examined these effects using objective eye-tracking measures within controlled experimental designs. This study employed a 2 × 2 between-subjects quasi-experiment to investigate the effects of PVS (transparent window and product image) and FUS (large unit and small unit) on visual attention and subsequent product-related evaluations. A total of 160 participants viewed realistic chocolate package stimuli that varied only in visual strategy and unit size. Eye movements were recorded using Tobii Pro Glasses 2. Visual attention was assessed through Time to First Fixation (TFF) and Fixation Duration (FD), while expected tastiness, expected quality, and purchase intention were measured using standardized self-report scales. The results showed that transparent-window packaging attracted visual attention more rapidly and sustained longer fixations than product-image packaging. These attention differences were accompanied by higher expected tastiness, expected quality, and purchase intention. While food unit size alone showed limited effects on eye-movement measures, a significant interaction was observed: small-unit designs elicited greater visual attention and more favorable evaluations only when the product was directly visible through a transparent window. Overall, the findings demonstrate how product visual strategies and food unit size jointly shape visual attention allocation during packaging inspection. By integrating eye-tracking measures with evaluation and behavioral intention outcomes, this study contributes to applied eye-movement research in food packaging contexts.

Front-of-package (FoP) warning labels (WLs) are widely used internationally to guide healthier food and beverage choices. China has not yet implemented a s