Calorie Labels on Alcohol Could Influence Drinking Habits, Study Finds

Portrait of Beautiful Lonely Young Woman Drinking from a Wine Glass in the Dark Kitchen. Depressed and Sad Adult Girl with Alcohol Problem Drinks Alone, Bad Relationships, Work Stress, Other Problems

Summary: A new UCL study reveals that over half of heavier drinkers in England would modify their drinking habits if calorie labels were introduced on alcoholic beverages.

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

A recent study conducted by researchers at University College London (UCL) suggests that introducing calorie labels on alcoholic drinks could lead to changes in drinking habits, particularly among heavier drinkers. The research, published in the journal BMJ Open, provides insights into how such labeling might impact attitudes and behaviors related to alcohol consumption.

The study, based on survey responses from 4,683 adults in England, found that 54% of heavier drinkers – classified as “hazardous drinkers” based on a questionnaire – reported they would make changes to their drinking habits if calorie labels were introduced. This figure was notably higher than the 44% of lighter drinkers who said they would alter their behavior.

Potential Changes in Drinking Behavior

When asked about specific behavior changes, the study revealed:

  • 27% of heavier drinkers said they would choose lower calorie drinks
  • 18% reported they would drink alcohol less often
  • 17% stated they would consume fewer drinks overall

These findings suggest that calorie labeling could potentially serve as a tool for helping some individuals maintain a healthier weight, especially among those who consume alcohol more heavily.

Professor Andrew Steptoe, lead author of the study from UCL Behavioural Science & Health, commented on the findings: “Our study found that a sizeable proportion of heavier drinkers said they would change their drinking habits if calorie labelling was introduced. This suggests labelling might help target higher-risk drinkers who are getting a greater proportion of calories from alcohol and are more likely to gain excess weight as a result.”

Knowledge of Alcohol Calorie Content

Interestingly, the study also assessed participants’ knowledge of the calorie content in various alcoholic beverages. Researchers found that hazardous drinkers were more likely than low-risk drinkers or non-drinkers to accurately estimate the number of calories in beer, wine, cider, and spirits.

This finding raises questions about the effectiveness of educational campaigns aimed at increasing public awareness of alcohol calorie content. The researchers suggested that such campaigns might be less effective at reducing consumption than efforts to change attitudes towards drinking.

Public Support for Calorie Labeling

The study revealed significant public support for the introduction of calorie labeling on alcoholic beverages:

  • 58% of respondents said calorie labeling would be useful
  • 64% agreed it should be provided in shops and supermarkets
  • 52% supported its availability in pubs, bars, and restaurants

However, it’s worth noting that drinkers were less likely than non-drinkers to support the implementation of such labeling.

Implications and Limitations

While the results are promising, the researchers caution against viewing calorie labeling as a standalone solution. Professor Jamie Brown, co-author of the study, stated: “While these results are encouraging, it is unlikely that alcohol calorie labelling in isolation would contribute substantially to the UK Government’s strategy to reduce harms from alcohol and obesity. It might have a positive role as part of a more comprehensive approach, including regulation on advertising, availability, taxation and price.”

The researchers also highlighted the importance of increasing the availability of lower-calorie drinks, as this was the most common action respondents said they would take in response to mandatory labeling, particularly among hazardous drinkers.

It’s crucial to note that survey responses do not necessarily translate directly to real-world behavior. However, the results do suggest that calorie labels could play a role in helping people make more informed decisions about their alcohol consumption and potentially contribute to maintaining a healthy weight.

Quiz: Test Your Knowledge

  1. What percentage of heavier drinkers said they would make changes to their drinking habits if calorie labels were introduced? a) 44% b) 54% c) 64% d) 74%
  2. Which group was more likely to accurately estimate the calorie content of alcoholic drinks? a) Non-drinkers b) Low-risk drinkers c) Hazardous drinkers d) All groups were equally accurate
  3. What percentage of calories consumed by men come from alcoholic drinks, according to the study? a) 5% b) 9% c) 15% d) 20%

Answer Key:

  1. b) 54%
  2. c) Hazardous drinkers
  3. b) 9%

Further Reading:

  1. BMJ Open Journal
  2. UCL Behavioural Science & Health Department
  3. UK Government Alcohol Strategy

Glossary of Terms:

  1. Hazardous drinkers: Individuals whose drinking habits put them at risk of physical or psychological harm.
  2. Low-risk drinkers: Those who consume alcohol within recommended guidelines.
  3. Calorie labeling: The practice of displaying nutritional information, specifically calorie content, on food and drink products.
  4. BMJ Open: A peer-reviewed, open access medical journal.
  5. UCL: University College London, a public research university in London, United Kingdom.
  6. NIHR: National Institute for Health and Care Research, a UK government agency that funds health and care research.

Enjoy this story? Get our newsletter! https://scienceblog.substack.com/


Substack subscription form sign up