Alcohol calorie labelling: Potential for impact on alcohol and calorie consumption
Research Theme
Alcohol; Public health
Project outline
This project aims to understand the impact of alcohol calorie labelling on alcohol and calorie selection, purchasing and consumption.
Background information
Alcohol consumption can harm health through the effects of alcohol itself or by indirectly contributing to obesity through the overconsumption of energy (calories). Reducing alcohol consumption would improve health globally, including reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease and many cancers.
The UK government is considering making labels with calorie counts mandatory on alcoholic drinks. However, there is limited evidence on the impact of alcohol calorie labels on consumer behaviour.
What are the main aims of the research?
This research, funded by the NIHR, aims to:
1. Look at the impact of including calorie information on the amount of a) calories and b) alcohol people select or consume
2. Look at attitudes towards, and understanding of, information about calories in alcoholic drinks
3. Model the long-term impact of labelling alcohol with calorie information on health outcomes and costs to health-care services
Expected project end date
September 2026
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Project members
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Peter Scarborough
Professor of Population Health
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Rachel Pechey
Associate Professor
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Lucy Yates
Public Engagement Lead
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Ethan Knight
Research Assistant
