Alcohol, calories and obesity: A rapid systematic review and meta-analysis of consumer knowledge, support and behavioural effects of energy labelling on alcoholic drinks

Mandatory energy (calorie) labelling of alcoholic drinks is a public health measure that could be used to address both alcohol consumption and obesity. We systematically reviewed studies examining consumer knowledge of the energy content of alcoholic drinks, public support for energy labelling and the effect of energy labelling of alcoholic drinks on consumption behaviour. Eighteen eligible studies (from 16 sources) were included. Among studies examining consumer knowledge of the energy content of alcoholic drinks (N=8) and support for energy labelling (N=9), there was moderate evidence that people tend to be unaware of the energy content of alcoholic drinks (pooled estimate: 74% [95% CIs 64-82%] of participants inaccurate estimating energy content) and support energy labelling (pooled estimate: 64% [95% CIs 53%-73% support policy]. Six studies examined the effect of energy labelling on consumer behaviour and findings were indicative of no likely effect of labelling. However, the majority of studies were of low methodological quality, used proxy outcome measures and none of the studies were conducted in real-world settings, resulting in a very low level of evidence. Further research is required to determine whether energy labelling of alcoholic drinks affects consumer behaviour and is likely to be an effective public health policy.