It refers to a scientifically researched phenomenon in which certain claims, such as “low fat” or “made with organic ingredients” can lead us to assume a food is healthier or lower in calories. 

A ‘health halo’ occurs when a single health buzzword or claim causes a consumer to have other unsubstantiated positive impressions of the product.

Health halos in food advertising take the form of short messages on food packaging about the health benefits of an item.

• This effect often leads to consumers confusing “low fat” with “low calorie”, which results in the overconsumption of the former.
• When choosing between similar products with different names, consumers prefer products with healthier-sounding names.
• If you are eating at a restau...