Factors associated with food label use among Saudi adults: the roles of nutritional knowledge, educational level, and dietary practices

Background Food labels are an important public health tool for promoting healthier food choices and reducing the burden of diet-related chronic diseases. However, the factors influencing food label use are not fully understood in Saudi Arabia. Aim To investigate the factors associated with food label use among Saudi adults. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among Saudi adults aged 18 years or older in Saudi Arabia. Participants were recruited using non-probability convenience sampling, supplemented by snowball sampling through social media. A translated and expert-reviewed questionnaire with acceptable internal consistency was used to collect data on sociodemographic characteristics, objective and subjective nutritional knowledge, food label use, and dietary practices. Food label use was assessed using a nine-item scale covering label reading, information checked, and the influence of labels on food choices. Each item was scored from 1 to 5, yielding a total score ranging from 9 to 45, with higher scores indicating greater food label use. Multivariable linear regression was performed to identify factors independently associated with food label use. A sensitivity analysis was conducted by replacing objective nutritional knowledge with subjective nutritional knowledge to examine associations with food label use across both measures. Results A total of 683 participants were included in the final analysis (mean age: 30.8 ± 11.9 years). Higher objective nutritional knowledge ( B = 0.715, 95% CI: 0.220–1.209, p = 0.004), having a diploma or bachelor’s degree compared with a high school education or below ( B = 1.677, 95% CI: 0.182–3.172, p = 0.028) were associated with higher food label use scores. Not following a specific diet was associated with lower food label use scores ( B = −2.324, 95% CI: −2.866 to −1.783, p < 0.001). These associations remained consistent in the sensitivity analysis using subjective nutritional knowledge. Conclusion Nutritional knowledge, educational level, and dietary practices were associated with food label use among Saudi adults. Integrating nutrition literacy interventions with existing food labeling policies may enhance consumers’ engagement with food labels and support healthier food choices.