Herbal scents can encourage shoppers to buy healthier foods, research shows

Imagine walking down the aisle of your local grocery store. The scent of mixed herbs catches your attention, mentally transporting you to a kitchen filled with the aroma of your favorite home-cooked meal. Suddenly, you’re craving hearty minestrone soup or yearning for homemade beef lasagna. In an instant, your plans for dinner—and your shopping list—change. This sensory experience is not a new phenomenon. Using scent to sell in retail stores is a well-established strategy. But...