Overview of the policy and its aims
England introduced mandatory calorie labeling for large food outlets in 2022, requiring restaurants, pubs, cafes, and fast-food chains to display the energy content of meals and drinks. The goal was straightforward: help consumers make healthier choices and nudge the food industry toward lower-calorie, healthier options. The policy followed a broader push in public health to tackle rising obesity rates, a major risk factor for type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and several cancers.
What the study found
A recent study published in BMJ Public Health analyzed more than 31,000 menu items from 78 chains to compare calorie counts before and after the policy’s implementation. The researchers reported a modest decline in average menu calories—about 2 percent. While any reduction is welcome in a population facing high obesity rates, the authors described the impact as modest to limited in terms of improving overall population health.
Patterns by item type and venue
When looking at foods that were sold both before and after the labeling mandate, researchers found calories remained fairly stable. A notable exception occurred with soft drinks, non-alcoholic beverages, and burgers, which showed larger reductions. The study also uncovered differences by venue type: sports and entertainment venues led the decline with a 13.5 percent drop, followed by pubs at 9 percent and restaurants at 5 percent.
How restaurants responded
The data suggest restaurants responded more through changing menus than reformulating recipes. Some high-calorie items were removed, while lower-calorie options were added. However, the researchers noted that these shifts were not substantial enough to drive a broad change in average calories across menus.
Interpreting the findings
Experts say the results challenge hopes that calorie labeling would compel a “health by stealth” effect, where manufacturers gradually reduce sugar, salt, and fat without customers noticing. The study’s authors contrasted labeling with stronger policy tools, such as Britain’s soft-drink tax, which has historically spurred reformulation and sugar reductions by manufacturers.
Context and public health implications
England and the wider UK are contending with a persistent obesity epidemic. National statistics show about one-quarter of adults in England are obese, with ongoing concerns about diet-related illnesses. While labeling may improve awareness, these findings underscore the need for complementary strategies to drive meaningful dietary change across populations.
What could improve effectiveness?
Experts suggest combining calorie labeling with broader fiscal and regulatory measures, such as targeted taxes on high-sugar items, stronger incentives for reformulation, and proactive marketing restrictions for ultra-processed foods. Emphasizing education around portion sizes and providing clearer guidance on daily energy needs could also help consumers make better choices, especially when dining out frequently.
Bottom line
The English calorie labeling rule has achieved limited impact on average menu calories and did not trigger widespread reformulation. While every step toward greater transparency matters, policymakers are likely to pursue additional, more potent levers if the goal is to meaningfully curb obesity and improve public health outcomes.
