NCT07167004 · University of Pennsylvania
The GRoceries Aimed at Increasing Nutrition Study
(GRAINS)
What this study is about
Only 2% of Americans meet the recommended levels of whole grain consumption, despite its association with reduced risk of type 2 diabetes. This study aims to assess if consumers with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes can be encouraged to switch from buying refined grain products to whole grain products when shopping for groceries online.
View original scientific description
Only 2% of Americans meet the recommended levels of whole grain consumption, despite its association with reduced risk of type 2 diabetes. This study aims to assess if consumers with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes can be encouraged to switch from buying refined grain products to whole grain products when shopping for groceries online. The study will use personalized marketing strategies, with or without discounts which adjust based on purchasing behavior, to promote whole grain consumption.
Interventions
BEHAVIORAL
Marketing Nudges Only
Marketing nudges encouraging whole grain purchasing, including displaying whole grains (e.g., whole wheat bread, brown rice) at the top of the study's online grocery store, featuring whole grain banner displays, and offering product swaps to highlight whole grain alternatives
BEHAVIORAL
Marketing Nudges + Dynamically Adapted Financial Incentives
Marketing nudges encouraging whole grain purchasing, including displaying whole grains (e.g., whole wheat bread, brown rice) at the top of the study's online grocery store, featuring whole grain banner displays, and offering product swaps to highlight whole grain alternatives, plus personalized financial incentives with individual incentive amounts optimized weekly based on prior whole grain purchasing behavior and engagement
Primary outcome measures
Change in calories purchased from products that are majority whole grains over time
Time frame: 18 weeks
The study team will use random-effects linear regression models to compare within-subject changes in the calories purchased from whole grains, adjusting for repeated measures, to examine trends over time.
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
- Age 45 - 70 years.
- Able to provide consent.
- Resident of Philadelphia, Bucks, Delaware, Chester, or Montgomery Counties in Pennsylvania.
- Consume \<5 servings of whole grains per day.
- Use online grocery shopping at least once per month.
- Have access to a credit or debit card to pay for groceries purchased.
- Have reliable internet access.
- Speak English.
- Penn Medicine patient diagnosed with prediabetes or diabetes (identified using ICD-10 codes R73.03, E11).
Exclusion criteria
- Does not meet all the inclusion criteria.
- Not able to speak English.
- Not able to provide consent.
Where
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Collaborators
National Institute on Aging (NIA), American Heart Association
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 Jul 10, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations