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INFOODMATION: unpacking the media’s influence on what we eat
From TV ads to viral social media trends, the media plays a powerful role in shaping what we eat, how we cook, and even how we think about food. But how much of this information is reliable? And how does it really impact our health and sustainability choices?
INFOODMATION
INFOODMATION is on a mission to uncover the hidden forces behind food-related media and marketing. With consumers—especially children and vulnerable groups—bombarded by food and beverage promotions daily, the project seeks to understand how these messages shape our dietary habits and beliefs, often without us realizing it.
Why does it matter?
In a world flooded with food messaging, misinformation is a growing concern. INFOODMATION aims to cut through the noise, promoting responsible business strategies and policy recommendations to improve the way food information is communicated. Ultimately, the goal is to create a smarter, healthier, and more sustainable food system for all.
“From a consumer protection and public health perspective, we are interested in the role of the European Union in safeguarding its citizens—both as individuals and consumers—. In an era where modern communication strategies, driven by mainstream and emerging media, significantly influence our choices, we are eager to explore whether the current EU legal framework is equipped to meet these challenges” says Francesco Montanari, Researcher & Lecturer from the Law Group at Wageningen University and Research.
The three-step approach
INFOODMATION will tackle this challenge through:
Mapping
Identifying key players and their communication strategies, from governments to private companies and civil groups.
Assessment
Evaluating the impact of food messaging on consumer choices, meal habits, and overall lifestyle.
Knowledge Hub
Translating insights into best practices, policies, and a Knowledge Hub to drive positive change.
Our research targets the understanding of how regulatory structures impact our ability to make informed, sustainable, and healthy food choices. Through the work with INFOODMATION, we want to analyze and identify best practices at national and local levels that could be effectively scaled across the EU. By bridging the gap between policy, media influence, and consumer behavior, we hope to contribute to a system that empowers individuals to navigate today’s complex food landscape with confidence and clarity” shared Esra Akdogan, Researcher & Lecturer from the Law Group at Wageningen University and Research.
With expertise from WUR’s Law Group and Strategic Communication Group, the project will explore how different consumer segments, including those with lower media literacy, interpret and react to food messaging. By engaging stakeholders throughout the process, INFOODMATION is set to drive meaningful, long-term impact—ensuring food information serves the public good rather than commercial interests.
Stay tuned as INFOODMATION reshapes the way we understand food media—one bite of knowledge at a time!