The PEAR Tool: evaluating portion sizes of food and beverages in food advertising to children using Google Street View

Abstract

Previous research has established where and what types of advertising are in children’s neighbourhoods. However, no prior research has evaluated the portion sizes in advertisements or how these compare with national dietary recommendations. This study aimed to evaluate portion sizes in advertising on bus shelters surrounding schools in Auckland, New Zealand using images captured on Google Street View. Portion sizes for 265 foods or beverages in 172 advertisements on bus shelters within 500 m of Auckland schools were analysed to determine the discrepancy with nutritional guidelines. School type, decile, distance from school boundary, Walk Score® and Transit Score were analysed. Advertised foods and beverages were exaggerated in all but one advertisement. The main findings demonstrate 1) advertised food and beverage products are enlarged, and 2) advertised portion sizes exceed those deemed appropriate in national nutrition guidelines. Stricter advertising policies with revised definitions are needed to improve the food environments surrounding schools.