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This article examines children’s and adolescents’ fast-food choices and the influence of calorie labels on adolescent and parent food choice in lower-income communities in New York City (NYC) and Newark, New Jersey (comparison city) before and after mandatory menu labeling began in NYC. Researchers found no statistically significant differences in calories purchased before and after labeling. Many adolescents (57% in NYC) noticed the calorie labels but few (9%) used the information when ordering food. Most adolescents (72%) reported that taste was the most important factor in their meal choice.
Age Groups: Adolescents (grades 9 to 12), Adults and Families, Elementary-age children (grades K to 5), Preschool-age children (ages 3 to 5), Young adolescents (grades 6 to 8)
Race/Ethnicity: African American or Black, Latino(a) or Hispanic, Multi-racial/ethnic, White
Keywords: Fast food, Food outlet, Menu Labeling, Point-of-decision prompts, Restaurant, Urban
Focus Area: Food Retail
Resource Type: Journal Article
States: New Jersey, New York
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