LAUSR

Key Points Question Is calorie labeling on menus associated with reductions in the calorie content of menu items at large chain restaurants? Findings This cohort study comprising 59 large restaurant chains followed up from 2012 to 2019 found that restaurants did not change the calorie content of continuously offered items. However, new items introduced after calorie labeling had a mean of 113 fewer calories (approximately −25%) compared with new items introduced before labeling, a statistically significant reduction. Meaning This study suggests that mandated calorie labeling may have encouraged large restaurant chains to introduce lower-calorie items, but additional interventions should be explored to improve the nutritional quality of foods purchased from restaurants.