Calorie Labels Lead to Minimal Dietary Changes, Study Finds

A systematic review reveals that calorie labeling reduces calorie intake by an average of 11 calories per meal, sparking debate over its effectiveness and cost implications.

A Cochrane review of 25 studies found that calorie labeling on menus and food packaging leads to an average reduction of 11 calories per meal, equivalent to 1.8% fewer calories selected.
Researchers suggest that while the individual impact is modest, the cumulative effect at a population level could contribute to public health improvements.
Critics argue that the policy imposes significant costs on businesses with minimal proven benefits, urging governments to reconsider its implementation.
Health experts remain divided, with some emphasizing the potential for small changes to add up over time, while others question the long-term impact on obesity rates.
There is insufficient evidence on the effect of calorie labeling on alcohol consumption, and further high-quality studies are needed to assess broader systemic impacts.