Menu Labeling Regulations and Calories Purchased at Chain Restaurants

Journal Article Jun-01-2013 | Krieger JW , Chan NL , Saelens BE , Ta ML , Solet D , and Fleming DW | 1-min read

Insights
Our Research
Menu Labeling Regulations and Calories Purchased at Chain Restaurants

This study examined whether the mean number of calories purchased by consumers decreased after the regulation to include caloric information on menus was implemented.

In King County, Wash., 40 food restaurants and 10 coffee restaurants were included in this study from Fall 2008 through Spring 2010. Baseline was measured 1–3 months prior to the regulation, and additional time points included 4–6 months post, and 16–18 months post. Twenty-five restaurants were in low-income/high diversity areas and 25 were not in low-income/high diversity areas. Customers were recruited at each restaurant and participated in an exit survey regarding use and awareness of menu labeling, knowledge of daily calories, demographics, and details about the customization of items purchased. The final sample included 6,125 food chain and 1,200 coffee chain patrons.

Key Findings

A decrease in mean calories per purchase was noted 18 months after implementation: 22 kcal decrease in coffee chains and 38 kcal decrease in food chains.
The most notable reduction in caloric intake was among women and patrons of taco and coffee establishments.

Given the high frequency of dining out, awareness and use of caloric information on menus has potential to contribute to obesity prevention.

Subscribe to receive Funding Alerts & more

Explore the latest in reflection and research from subject matter experts at RWJF and our wide network of partners.

Email Address (Required)

Email address already subscribed. Please check your inbox to manage your subscriptions.

Subscribed!

Thank you. You are now subscribed.

First Name (Required)

Last Name (Required)

Organization (Required)

Are you an RWJF grantee (past or present)?

Are you an RWJF grantee(past or present)?

European Union Resident

Tell us what type of content you want to receive.

Advances Newsletter 1 of 6

Be informed with our twice a month newsletter updating you with relevant news and research around a Culture of Health, as well as the latest funding opportunities.

Funding Alerts 2 of 6

Get funded by RWJF: Receive notifications when new funding opportunities are released.

Policy Bulletins 3 of 6

Get the latest health policy updates directly to your inbox. This monthly newsletter provides timely resources on how the day’s policy topics affect health, wellbeing, and equity.

Research, Evaluation, and Learning 4 of 6

Shop talk for researchers. This monthly newsletter covers research news and opportunities from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

Communications Toolbox 5 of 6

Communications expedite action. Get periodic research and expert insights on the best ways to communicate so we can spread what works.

There's more... 5 of 6

Sometimes we have news, announcements or opportunities that don't quite fit the subscription parameters above. If you're interested, we'll send you this information under "There's more...". *If you've indicated you are an EU resident, we will only send these communications if you intentionally check this box.

Which profession or pursuit best describes you?

Activist/Advocate
Grant maker
Job Seeker
Media
Policymaker or Staffer
Public Health or Healthcare Professional
Researcher
Student
Other

Other

Area(s) Of Interest

Birth justice/Maternal Health 1 of 14
Caregiving2 of 14
Community Power3 of 14
Disability Rights/Disability Justice4 of 14
Economic inclusion5 of 14
Entertainment6 of 14
Food Systems7 of 14
Future of Health8 of 14
Global Learning9 of 14
Health Policy10 of 14
Impact Investing11 of 14
Leadership and Leadership Programs12 of 14
Physical and Built Environment13 of 14
Research14 of 14

Unsubscribe

Stop receiving all emails from RWJF

Unsubscribe from all emails

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.