Proximity and Visibility of Fruits and Vegetables Influence Intake in a Kitchen Setting Among College Students

Abstract

The hypothesis that participants will eat more fruits (apple slices) and vegetables (carrot cuts) if they are made more proximate and visible was tested using a 2 × 2 between-participants design. Proximity was manipulated by placing fruits and vegetables in a bowl at a table where participants sat (near) or 2 m from the table (far). Visibility was manipulated by placing fruits and vegetables in an opaque bowl that was covered (not visible) or in a clear bowl that was open (visible). The results showed that placing apple slices and carrot cuts in closer proximity to participants increased intake of these healthy foods. Making these foods more visible increased intake of apple slices but not carrot cuts, possibly because fruits taste sweet and so may be more motivationally salient than bitter-tasting carrots. Regardless, these data are the first to demonstrate experimentally that the proximity and visibility of fruits and vegetables can influence intake of these foods.