The Pantry Test

Whatever is at eye level in your pantry is what you’re most likely to eat. This isn’t willpower—it’s how the brain makes decisions. Visible, convenient food gets eaten more than food that’s hidden or requires effort. A 2019 Cochrane review found that even small distances—20 cm versus 70 cm—meaningfully changed consumption, and the effect operates nonconsciously. This companion explores why eye level matters, the research on proximity and visibility, how to redesign your pantry so the automatic grab zone works for you, and the role of opacity in reducing impulse cues. (3 min read)

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