Portion information
In a climate of overweight and obesity, the amount we eat or drink is just as important as what is eaten. There are increasing concerns that larger portion sizes may encourage over-eating. Furthermore, there appears to be confusion about how much of a product should be eaten and the recommended daily portion size of many common foods. Portion information is often included on food and drink labels but little is known about how we interpret and use this information.
How to Measure Portion Sizes with your Hands (Infographic)
01 April 2019Knowing how much of a food you should eat can be difficult. This infographic shows how to use your hands to measure the right portion sizes.
What do you need to know about portion sizes - Q&A
27 September 2018Eating proper portion sizes is as important as eating the right foods. This Q&A explains portion sizes and gives tips on how to choose and control them in order to eat healthier and avoid under- and overeating.
Reference amounts affect consumers’ healthfulness evaluation of foods
26 November 2014How different reference amounts on nutrition labels influence consumers’ product healthfulness evaluation was investigated by researchers from the University of Surrey and the team at the European Food Information Council. The study, published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, shows that products with a ‘per 100g’ label were rated as less healthful compared to products with reference amounts given in ‘typical’ or ‘half typical’ portions.
Portion sizes: The amounts kids consume could be related to the amounts parents serve themselves
26 March 2014Research conducted by five universities in Texas, USA, with African American and Hispanic families underscores the relation between portions offered by caregivers and the amounts children consume...
The importance of portion information from a consumer and health perspective
10 April 2012There has been a tendency for labels to focus on nutrition information and to overlook ‘how much’ of a product should be consumed. Portion control is important as research shows that consumption of large portions...
How do consumers respond to portion information on food and drink labels?
22 February 2011How do consumers respond to portion information on food and drink labels? Initial results of new EUFIC consumer research available...
Large portions may contribute to weight gain
13 August 2007Portion sizes of ready-to-eat foods and restaurant meals have steadily increased over the past decade. This has prompted concern from health educators because larger portion sizes may cause over-consumption of energy and weight gain. A new US study suggests that this analysis is correct.