While calorie labels didn't curb intake, they made diners more calorie-conscious and slightly better at estimating their meals' caloric content. Study: Evaluating the association between the introduction of mandatory calorie labelling and energy consumed using observational data from the out-of-home food sector in England . Image Credit: faizol musa / Shutterstock In a recent study published in the journal Nature Human Behavior , a group of researchers evaluated whether the introduction of mandatory calorie labeling in England's out-of-home food sector (OHFS) influenced consumer behavior, including calorie awareness, purchasing, and consumption.
Background The OHFS frequently offers energy-dense and high-calorie foods, contributing to obesity risk. In the United Kingdom (UK), 27% of adults consume OHFS meals weekly, a concern given the 26% obesity prevalence in England and its links to diseases like type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and certain cancers. Despite voluntary kilocalorie (kcal) labeling initiatives since 2011, compliance has been limited, prompting mandatory legislation in 2022 for large businesses.
Evidence from other countries, such as the United States (US) and Canada, suggests kcal labeling may modestly influence consumer behavior, but impacts are context-dependent. Further research is needed to explore its effects across diverse populations. About the study Modest Impact on Calorie Estimation: While the introduction of mandatory calorie labeling did no.