Abstract
BackgroundWine glass size can influence both perceptions of portion size and the amount poured, but its impact upon purchasing and consumption is unknown. This study aimed to examine the impact of wine glass size on wine sales for on-site consumption, keeping portion size constant.MethodsIn one establishment (with separate bar and restaurant areas) in Cambridge, England, wine glass size (Standard; Larger; Smaller) was changed over eight fortnightly periods. The bar and restaurant differ in wine sales by the glass vs. by the bottle (93 % vs. 63 % by the glass respectively).ResultsDaily wine volume purchased was 9.4 % (95 % CI: 1.9, 17.5) higher when sold in larger compared to standard-sized glasses. This effect seemed principally driven by sales in the bar area (bar: 14.4 % [3.3, 26.7]; restaurant: 8.2 % [−2.5, 20.1]). Findings were inconclusive as to whether sales were different with smaller vs. standard-sized glasses.ConclusionsThe size of glasses in which wine is sold, keeping the portion size constant, can affect consumption, with larger glasses increasing consumption. The hypothesised mechanisms for these differential effects need to be tested in a replication study. If replicated, policy implications could include considering glass size amongst alcohol licensing requirements.Trial registrationISRCTN registry: ISRCTN12018175. Registered 12th May 2015.
Highlights
Wine glass size can influence both perceptions of portion size and the amount poured, but its impact upon purchasing and consumption is unknown
Alcohol consumption is ranked 5th amongst the 20 leading risk factors for global burden of disease [1]
This study reports the effects of wine glass size on wine sales, examining the results within separate bar and restaurant areas of one UK establishment –– where sales varied in terms of the extent to which these occurred by the glass or by the bottle
Summary
Wine glass size can influence both perceptions of portion size and the amount poured, but its impact upon purchasing and consumption is unknown. Whilst this review did not identify any studies concerning the impact of these cues on alcohol consumption, it Pechey et al BMC Public Health (2016) 16:390 influence how much is served [10, 11] These effects may often operate outside of awareness [12, 13] making smaller default sizes for portions, packages and tableware effective barriers to the overconsumption that larger sizes cue [14]. Glasses provided alongside bottles may affect the actual portion served (by influencing the amount poured) [17,18,19], and glasses containing pre-served portions may change perceptions of portion size [20, 21] and in turn how much is consumed Such effects may be curbed if people drink a certain number of glasses of wine regardless of the perceived size of the glasses [22,23,24]. This study reports the effects of wine glass size on wine sales, examining the results within separate bar and restaurant areas of one UK establishment –– where sales varied in terms of the extent to which these occurred by the glass or by the bottle
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