Restaurant rewards program steers kids toward healthier meals
NCT ID NCT04334525
First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tested whether using special placemats that promote healthy kids' meals, combined with a reward card that offers a free meal after six healthy purchases, could encourage children ages 4-8 to choose healthier options at quick-service restaurants. Over 550 families participated across six restaurant locations. The goal was to see if these simple, low-cost strategies could improve children's meal choices and reduce calories, fat, and sugar ordered.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
Choice architecture and repeated exposure (behavioral intervention using placemats and reward cards)
What this could lead to
If successful, this approach could help families make healthier choices when eating out, potentially reducing childhood obesity and improving long-term eating habits.
What could go wrong
This is a small, completed study in just six restaurant locations, so results may not apply everywhere. The intervention is behavioral, so lasting change depends on continued use and family motivation.
Disclaimer
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Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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Contacts and locations
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Locations
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State University of New York at Buffalo
Buffalo, New York, 14214, United States