Overview of objective measurement technologies for nutrition research, food-related consumer and marketing research

Background
Despite their reliability- and validity-related challenges, self-reports remain the most common data collection method in nutrition research, food-related consumer and marketing research. The rapid development of technology has nevertheless inspired attempts to overcome the challenges of self-reports by applying technological solutions capable of capturing objective data.

Scope and approach
We reviewed objective measurement technologies applicable in nutrition research, food-related consumer and marketing research, spanning the continuum from food-evoked emotions to food choice and dietary intake. Focusing on non-invasive solutions, we categorised identified technologies according to five study domains: 1) detecting food-related emotions, 2) monitoring food choices, 3) detecting eating actions, 4) identifying the type of food consumed, and 5) estimating the amount of food consumed. Additionally, we considered technologies not yet applied in the targeted research disciplines but worth considering in future research.

Key findings and conclusions
Within each domain, several variables have been measured using diverse technologies or combinations of technologies. These technologies cover wearable and remotely applied solutions that collect data on the individual or provide indirect information on consumers’ food choices or dietary intake. The key challenges of the reviewed technologies concern their applicability in real-world settings; capabilities to produce accurate, reliable, and meaningful data with reasonable resources; participant burden, and privacy protection. We provide recommendations for researchers and practitioners in nutrition research, food-related consumer and marketing research to work around the key challenges. For fruitful use of available technologies, we encourage collaboration between technology developers and experts in nutrition, consumer, and marketing sciences.