American journal of preventive medicine
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Natural Claims on Sugary Fruit Drinks: A Randomized Experiment With U.S. Parents.
Natural claims on food are largely unregulated in the U.S. This study examined the effects of natural claims on a fruit-flavored drink with added sugar (i.e., fruit drink). ⋯ Natural claims could increase interest in and perceived healthfulness of fruit drinks. Misperceptions about the nutritional content caused by claims appear to be driving greater purchase intentions. These findings suggest a need for stronger regulation around natural claims to prevent consumer misunderstanding.