Objective

The incidence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) is rapidly growing. Awareness, comprehension, and use of food and nutrition labeling are vital for the prevention and management of NCDs. The
objective
of this review was to examine the association between NCDs and awareness and utilization of food and nutrition labeling in the Korean population, and to suggest future research directions to prevent and manage NCDs.
Methods
A literature search was conducted in the PubMed/MEDLINE and RISS databases from January 2016 to February 2026. Studies investigating the association between NCDs and awareness and/or use of food and nutrition labeling were included. Only studies conducted in Korea were included.
Results
A total of 27 cross-sectional studies were reviewed. Use of nutrition labeling was associated with a lower risk of metabolic syndrome. Older adults actively utilizing nutrition labeling had a lower risk of chronic kidney disease. Cancer survivors were less likely to purchase food depending on nutrition labeling than the general population. Hypertensive individuals who purchase food based on nutrition labeling are likely to choose foods lower in fat and salt. Nutrition education did not significantly affect the behavioral change of choosing healthy food in practice.
Conclusion
Nutrition education can prevent NCDs when combined with behavioral changes that enable individuals to make healthful food choices beyond recognizing nutrition labeling. An effective, structured, evidence-based food policy establishment should include the use of nutrition labeling and ensuring high visibility of the labels, such as front-of-package labeling.