Differential response of frequent and infrequent patrons to simplified nutrition labels at the point of selection in quick‐service food establishment

Abstract

Frequent patrons of quick‐service food establishments have grown substantially in the past decade, a concern because meals away from home typically have higher energy content than meals prepared at home. Provision of nutrition labels at the point of selection could help frequent patrons in particular make healthful entrée selections, but this is untested. This study examined if provision of nutrition labels at the point of selection changed the average energy content of entrées purchased by frequent and infrequent patrons. A quasi‐experimental, single‐group, interrupted time‐series design was used to examine daily sales data for 370 patrons before and after provision of the labels. Paired t‐test was used to test for differences in average energy content of entrées purchased, and regression was used to test for differences between frequent and infrequent patrons. For women, both frequent (27 kcal) and infrequent (39 kcal) patrons significantly decreased the average energy content of entrées purchased after provision of labels. For men, only frequent patrons significantly decreased (25 kcal). Results were not altered when patrons' body mass index, race, and knowledge of nutrition labels were controlled. These results are evidence that providing nutrition labels will help frequent patrons of quick‐service establishments‐‐those most at risk of increased energy intake‐‐make healthful entrée selections.