Abstract
The study examined the use of nutrition information at point of selection by first-year college students. Objectives were to determine whether freshmen were aware of the labels and used the information to influence their food choices. Nutrition label use by gender and how food choices were affected by nutrition information also were investigated. A Web-based survey was used for data collection. Results showed that females reported a significantly greater tendency than males to use labels to make food choices, and labels made a difference in their decision to eat at the dining commons rather than other foodservice establishments. Females sought foods to promote weight loss by selecting menu items with lower total calories and total fat. Males were more likely to want to gain weight and selected foods with high levels of protein and general overall balance of nutrients. Study findings reinforce the policy of posting nutrition information at point of selection and also present potential strategies for nutrition education to college students.