The researchers collected data on how the placement of certain items in school cafeterias affected food choices by students. They found that sweet treats were less popular on days when bananas and green beans were served in the cafeteria line but more popular on days when celery, applesauce, and fruit cocktail were available. For example, the presence of bananas made ice cream 11 to 16 percent less popular, and the presence of fruit cocktail made Little Debbie snacks 7 to 9 percent more popular.
