NCT07776938 · University of Kansas
Testing the Abuse Liability of Hyper-palatable Foods
What this study is about
The study will conduct a laboratory study designed to evaluate the rewarding and addictive properties of hyper-palatable foods (HPF), using potato chips as the food stimulus/sample HPF.
View original scientific description
The study will conduct a laboratory study designed to evaluate the rewarding and addictive properties of hyper-palatable foods (HPF), using potato chips as the food stimulus/sample HPF.
Interventions
OTHER
Full Dose HPF
This food stimulus is a regular, fried potato chip (with no modifications), considered the full dose hyper-palatable food stimulus. The nutrient characteristics are as followed (per 7 grams): 40kcal calories, 2.5g fat, 35mg sodium, 3.8g carbs.
OTHER
Modified Dose- No Fat
The food stimulus is a baked/"air fried" potato chip with sodium. Thus, the stimulus will have almost no fat. The nutrient characteristics are as followed (per 7 grams): 34kcal calories, 0.9g fat, 37mg sodium, 4.0g carbs.
OTHER
Modified Dose- No Sodium
The food stimulus will be a fried potato chip, unsalted. The nutrient characteristics are as followed (per 7 grams): 38kcal calories, 2.5g fat, 0.6mg sodium, 3.8g carbs
OTHER
Jicama Root Vegetable Chip- Negative Control
The food stimulus is a baked/"air fried" Jicama root vegetable chip which will serve as the negative control with no sodium, fat, and lower carbohydrates. The nutrient characteristics are as followed (per 7 grams): 20kcal calories, 0g fat, 0.1g sodium, 0.7g carbs.
Primary outcome measures
Subjective effect measure: food stimulus liking
Time frame: Baseline, at each visit
During the acute dose effects comparison, participants will rate on a visual analogue scale (0-100) how much they like the food stimulus they tasted
Subjective effect measure: food stimulus wanting/desire
Time frame: Baseline, at each visit
During the acute dose effects comparison, participants will rate on a visual analogue scale (0-100) how much they desire more of the food stimulus they tasted.
Subjective effect measure: food stimulus craving
Time frame: Baseline, at each visit
During the acute dose effects comparison, participants will rate on a visual analogue scale (0-100) how much they crave the food stimulus they tasted.
Subjective effect measure: food stimulus likelihood to use again
Time frame: Baseline, at each visit
During the acute dose effects comparison, participants will rate on a visual analogue scale (0-100) how likely they would be to use the food stimulus they tasted again in the future.
Demand elasticity value of the food stimulus
Time frame: Baseline, at each visit
Primary outcome of the Food Purchase Task, which characterizes sensitivity to the cost of a food stimulus with escalations in price.
Breakpoint value in self-administration task
Time frame: Baseline, at each visit
Highest schedule completed to earn a food stimulus reward during the self-administration task
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Adults 18+ years old
- High dietary intake of regular potato chips (HPF stimulus in the study), identified as \>=3 times per week via a standard dietary history questionnaire
- Like potato chips, the study-provided food (rating of \>6 out of 10 on visual analogue scale) and willing to consume them in the lab.
Exclusion criteria
- Currently prescribed medications for weight loss (e.g., Ozempic), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, substance use disorder, or binge eating disorder
- Substance use disorder diagnosis in the past year (self-reported) or substantial consequences from substance use in the past year (score on Drug Abuse Screening Test-10 of 6 or higher)
- Eating disorder diagnosis in the past year
- Bariatric surgery in the past year
- Dietary allergies or restrictions to gluten
- Dietary allergies or restrictions to root vegetables
- Currently participating in a weight management treatment program or engaging in dietary modification to induce weight loss
- Trying to cut down on HPF intake
- Diagnosed smell or taste dysfunction
- Currently pregnant
- Diagnosed cognitive impairment (self-reported)
Where
- Lawrence, Kansas
Collaborators
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Sep 14, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations