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Food literacy has emerged as a key individual trait to promote the transformation of food systems toward healthy and sustainable diets. Childhood and adolescence are key periods for establishing the foundations of eating habits. Different food literacy competencies are acquired as children develop different cognitive abilities, skills, and experiences, contributing to the development of critical tools that allow them to navigate a complex food system. Thus, the design and implementation of programs to support the development of food literacy from early childhood can contribute to healthier and more sustainable eating habits. In this context, the aim of the present narrative review is to provide an in-depth description of how different food literacy competencies are developed in childhood and adolescence, integrating the extensive body of evidence on cognitive, social, and food-related development. Implications for the development of multisectoral strategies to target the multidimensional nature of food literacy and promote the development of the 3 types of competencies (relational, functional, and critical) are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nutrition-related diseases, such as some cancers, heart diseases, and obesity, belong to the most challenging health concerns of our time. Communicating intuitive and simple nutrition information by means of front-of-pack (FOP) nutrition profile signpost labeling is increasingly seen as an essential tool in efforts to combat unhealthy food choices and improve public health. Consequently, much attention in policy and research is given to nutrient profiling methods and the determination of optimal nutrition criteria. Although consumer research on nutrition signpost labeling is now gradually appearing in the literature, the value and meaning of these labeling systems for consumers have received less attention. In the current debate a concise overview is lacking of the consumer perspective, including relevant psychological phenomena, in relation to much debated controversies surrounding these labels and their further development, such as the most effective type of signpost labeling system and varying stakeholder interests. Therefore, this paper aims to critically review the literature in the consumer domain of FOP nutrition labeling in order to illustrate the strengths and weaknesses of this form of nutrition education from a consumer perspective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Portion sizes of commercially available foods have increased, and there is evidence that exposure to portion sizes recalibrates what is perceived as 'normal' and subsequently, how much food is selected and consumed. The present study aims to explore the role of social (descriptive and injunctive) and personal portion size norms in this effect. Across two experiments, participants were either visually exposed to (Study 1, N = 329) or actually served (Study 2, N = 132) a smaller or larger than normal food portion. After 24 h, participants reported their intended consumption (Study 1) or served themselves and consumed (Study 2) a portion of that food and reported perceived portion size norms. In Study 1, visual exposure to portion size did not significantly affect intended consumption and perceived portion size norms. In Study 2, participants consumed a smaller portion of food when they were served a smaller rather than a larger portion the previous day, which was mediated by perceived descriptive and injunctive social (but not personal) portion size norms. Results suggest that being served (but not mere visual exposure to) smaller (relative to larger) portions changes perceived social norms about portion size and this may reduce future consumption of that food., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest. E.R. has received research funding from Unilever and the American Beverage Association, but does not consider this to be a conflict of interest for the present research. The funders had no role in the design of the study; in the collection, analyses, or interpretation of data; in the writing of the manuscript, or in the decision to publish the results.