How Does Information Influence Consumers' Evaluation of Biofortified Foods? A Meta‐Regression Analysis

Abstract

ABSTRACT Biofortified foods offer a promising solution to micronutrient deficiencies affecting billions worldwide, yet their potential remains constrained by limited consumer acceptance. While information plays a critical role in shaping consumers' evaluation of biofortified food products, existing evidence on its effectiveness in improving acceptance remains inconclusive across different contexts. Moreover, there is a notable lack of systematic synthesis of the effects of information interventions, particularly given the wide variation in outcome measures used in the literature. This study examines how information influences consumer evaluations of biofortified foods and identifies factors that moderate its impact. Using meta‐regression analysis based on 87 effect sizes from 34 empirical studies across 22 countries, we estimate the average effect of information provision and explore the influencing factors. Results from random‐effects models and weighted least squares regressions show that information has a significant though modest positive effect on consumer evaluation (Cohen's d = 0.27, 95% CI: 0.25–0.30). Variations in impacts can be explained by product characteristics, information design, study design and contextual factors. Future intervention campaigns should be tailored to enhance consumer acceptance and support biofortified food deployment in regions with nutritional deficits.