Resumen

PEREZ, Claudia et al. Effect of calorie labeling on menu selection: a preliminary study in Santiago, Chile. Rev. chil. nutr. [online]. 2017, vol.44, n.1, pp.6-11. ISSN 0717-7518.  http://dx.doi.org/10.4067/S0717-75182017000100001.

Sixty-two percent of the Chilean population has been classified as overweight. The purpose of this work was to study the effect of menu calorie labeling on selection of standard menu offers. We followed a quantitative approach using a crosssectional survey design. Data was collected online by a structured survey with closed and open-ended questions using a Likert-type scale. We collected 227 valid responses. Respondents selected a three-course menu and the calorie intake was registered before and after caloric information was displayed. The results showed that 49% of respondents reduced the overall calorie intake when caloric information was disclosed. The average overall reduction was 39.2% of the calories on the menu. Our results suggest that for nearly half of the surveyed respondents, caloric information was relevant for the menu selection process. This information could help health professionals to promote caloric intake awareness, facilitating consumer ability to make healthier choices when eating out..

Palabras clave : Food service; Menu labeling; Calorie information disclosure; Consumer food choice.

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