Consumers Rely on Mental Shortcuts Like Front-of-package Buzzwords Instead of Decoding Nutrition Labels

Food companies exploit labels like "organic" and "high protein" to charge premium prices, even when products aren't healthier. A UC Davis study found 89% of 54 avocado-oil products tested were adulterated with other oils, and one contained no avocado oil at all. This practice, called healthwashing, thrives on asymmetric information — when buyers know less than sellers.

Consumers rely on mental shortcuts like front-of-package buzzwords instead of decoding nutrition labels. The FDA requires ingredient disclosure, but oversight has blind spots. The study didn't determine who introduced the other oils or if brands knew, but it could lead to more accurate labels.