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The Impact Of Restaurant Calorie Labels On Food Choice: Results From A Field Experiment

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  • BRENNA ELLISON
  • JAYSON L. LUSK
  • DAVID DAVIS

Abstract

type="main" xml:lang="en"> Using field experiment data, we compare the effectiveness of calorie labels to a “fat tax” at reducing calories ordered. Results from a structural model of consumer demand show that numeric labels did not influence food choice, but symbolic traffic light labels caused restaurant patrons to select lower-calorie menu items; thus, adding a traffic light symbol could enhance the effectiveness of the numeric calorie label (as currently proposed by the Food and Drug Administration). Additionally, our model projects that labels can both reduce intake more than a 10% tax on high-calorie items and a 10% subsidy on low-calorie items. (JEL Q18, I18)

Suggested Citation

  • Brenna Ellison & Jayson L. Lusk & David Davis, 2014. "The Impact Of Restaurant Calorie Labels On Food Choice: Results From A Field Experiment," Economic Inquiry, Western Economic Association International, vol. 52(2), pages 666-681, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:ecinqu:v:52:y:2014:i:2:p:666-681
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    18. Jayson L Lusk, 2019. "Consumer beliefs about healthy foods and diets," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 14(10), pages 1-15, October.
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • Q18 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Agriculture - - - Agricultural Policy; Food Policy; Animal Welfare Policy
    • I18 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Government Policy; Regulation; Public Health

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