About the CARROtS Collaborative
Our purpose
A community of researchers working together to advance carotenoid assessment science using the Veggie Meter® and related tools.
Share research progress and plans
Troubleshoot carotenoid research challenges
Brainstorm ideas and form new collaborations
Featured research
In the spotlight
J Acad Nutr Diet · 2026
Byker Shanks C, Izumi B, Eastman J, Hartenfeld M, Jilcott Pitts S
Key findings
Researchers using the Veggie Meter® in community settings, from farmers’ markets to preschools to corner stores, consistently found that adapting the standard protocol was necessary to fit real-world conditions. Three themes emerged: balancing protocol adherence with contextual adaptation, managing implementation and logistics, and maximizing participant engagement. Despite adaptations, participants generally responded positively to the device, and some researchers found the measurement itself acted as a motivational tool.
Veggie Meter® Forum
Connect with the collaborative
Twice-yearly forums bring together researchers to share findings, troubleshoot challenges, and build new collaborations.
Just recorded
Summer 2026 Veggie Meter® Forum
June 25, 2026
Recording now available
Next forum: December 2026
Watch past forum recordings
All past Veggie Meter® Forum sessions are posted on the CARROtS Collaborative YouTube channel.
Watch on YouTube
Protocol & Best Practices
Standards for consistent measurement
Methodological details every presenter and researcher should report to support comparability across studies.
Device & Scan Details
Report your Veggie Meter® year/model number, which finger was used, and the scan mode applied.
Recommended Analyses
Guidance on covariates, handling outliers, comparing between vs. within subjects, and error reporting.
Grantmanship & Common Language
Shared terminology, reviewer considerations, and sample recruitment materials.
Researcher Profiles
Who's in the collaborative
Meet the researchers using the Veggie Meter® across diverse populations and settings.
Featured Publications
From the literature
Peer-reviewed work from collaborative members and the broader Veggie Meter® research community.
Protocol paper
Radtke et al. · Current Developments in Nutrition · 2021
Community settings
Byker Shanks C et al. · J Acad Nutr Diet · 2025
Indigenous populations
Sisson SB et al. · Current Developments in Nutrition · 2025
Want your research featured?
Complete the website participation survey to add your profile, publications, and expertise to the collaborative.
Complete the survey
