January 17, 2025

Cochrane review on calorie labelling and food choices

UK legislation approved in 2021 and brought into force in 2022 require calorie information to be displayed on menus and food labels for large businesses with more than 250 employees, including cafes, restaurants and takeaways.  But does it work?

An updated Cochrane review has looked at calorie labelling of food on menus and products and the food choices people make.  The research was led by scientists from UCL, Bath Spa, the University of Cambridge and the University of Oxford, and looks at evidence from 25 studies on calorie labelling and food selection and calories eaten.  (The first version of the review was published in 2018 – now the review has been updated to include more recent studies.)

The review looks at studies on calorie labels everywhere outside the home – including in cafes and restaurants, other food outlets, and supermarkets.  The scientists wanted to know whether the body of evidence suggests calorie labels are or aren’t associated with people choosing less calorific options from menus.

Journalists came to this briefing to hear from a senior author of the review about its findings and possible implications, and to ask their questions.

Speakers included:

Dr Gareth Hollands, Principal Research Fellow in Evidence Synthesis and Behavioural Science, UCL

This Briefing was accompanied by an SMC Roundup of comments.