Menu Labeling Responsive to Consumer Concerns and Shows Promise for Changing Patron Purchases

Abstract

This study evaluated a calorie labeling intervention in Kaiser Permanente Hospital cafeterias. Three cafeteria conditions were no labeling; calorie and nutrient labeling on posters only; posters plus point-of-purchase menu board calorie labeling. More respondents noticed calorie information at poster plus menu board sites than at poster-only sites (P < 0.05). Over 80% of patrons supported provision of calorie information. There was a significant increase in purchases of lower calorie side dishes (P < 0.0001) and snacks (P = 0.006) at the menu board site, compared with the no-labeling site. These findings support the premise that menu labeling can be useful in worksite wellness initiatives.

Keywords:

• menu labeling
• calorie labeling
• food environments
• nutrition intervention in worksites
• effectiveness evaluations
• cafeteria patrons
• menu boards

Acknowledgments

The authors thank the food service managers and other Kaiser Permanente staff who assisted in preparations and implementation of the pilot study; Dr. Christopher Jensen, who contributed to the design and conduct of the study; Joyce Lee, Barbara Green, and Suneeta Godbole for assistance with data collection; and Lauren Goldstein for input to the manuscript. The study was funded by the Kaiser Permanente (KP) Foundation.