The Symmetry Effect: Symmetrical Shapes Increase Consumer’s Health Perception of Food

Abstract

Focusing on the physical appearance of the food itself, and limiting the focus on shape to the concept of symmetry, this research investigated how food shape influences consumer perceptions of healthiness and naturalness and their subsequent food preferences. By conducting three empirical studies involving self-reported preference and trade-off choices, this research verified that it is a two-staged process of naturalness and healthiness that mediates the main effect of symmetry on foods preference. Furthermore, the incremental perceived unhealthiness of food would mitigate the positive effect of food symmetry. These findings are meaningful for food marketing managers and policymakers when making food-related decisions.