Calorie Labeling And Food Choices: A First Look At The Effects On Low-Income People In New York City

TLDR

Menu labeling research remains limited, especially in low‑income communities, and further studies are needed to evaluate its impact and other obesity‑related policies. This study examined how New York City’s menu‑calorie‑labeling mandate affected fast‑food choices among low‑income residents. Researchers collected receipts and survey responses from 1,156 adults in low‑income, minority New York City neighborhoods and compared the data to a similar sample in Newark, New Jersey, which had no labeling policy. Among those exposed to calorie labels, 27.7 % reported the information influenced their choices, yet the average calories purchased did not differ from pre‑labeling levels.

Abstract

We examined the influence of menu calorie labels on fast food choices in the wake of New York City's labeling mandate. Receipts and survey responses were collected from 1,156 adults at fast-food restaurants in low-income, minority New York communities. These were compared to a sample in Newark, New Jersey, a city that had not introduced menu labeling. We found that 27.7 percent who saw calorie labeling in New York said the information influenced their choices. However, we did not detect a change in calories purchased after the introduction of calorie labeling. We encourage more research on menu labeling and greater attention to evaluating and implementing other obesity-related policies.