Can different food labels in school canteens change behaviour?
Labels displaying the minutes of physical activity needed to burn off the food’s calories slightly reduces purchases of high-calorie discretionary foods like cakes and biscuits.
Key Findings
- A study found that when food labels in school cafeterias show how much physical activity is needed to burn off calories, pupils tend to buy fewer discretionary foods.
- Pupils who saw these labels bought fewer sweet treats like cakes or biscuits compared to those who didn't see them —specifically, about 11 fewer items per week per 100 students.
- However, many pupils, parents, school leaders, and mental health experts are concerned that this approach could further fuel a negative culture of calorie counting and disordered eating .
- Some schools stopped participating in the study because of these concerns. Researchers report that any unintended harms need to be thoroughly investigated before this approach is rolled out.
Source*
Iris N, Munir F, & Daley A. (2025). Physical activity calorie equivalent (PACE) food labelling on discretionary foods in secondary school canteens in England: an efficacy cluster randomised controlled trial. International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity 22, 24. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12966-025-01710-1
*All evidence briefs are informed by one or more peer reviewed research studies. All study publications used to inform this article are listed at the bottom of this brief with links.
What's this about?
The number of schools withdrawing from the trial suggests that alternative approaches to food labelling may be needed to effectively inform young people about their food choices while addressing stakeholder concerns.
Alternative food labelling — showing how much physical activity is needed to burn off calories — may help reduce discretionary food purchases, but its long-term effectiveness and potential risks require further exploration.
Previous studies suggest young people may find this type of labelling easier to understand than traffic light labels currently used. However, no study had assessed its feasibility or impact in real-world school settings.
Researchers from Loughborough University conducted a randomised controlled trial in 11 secondary schools across England, covering approximately 99,000 purchase transactions.1 Schools were assigned either to introduce this new calorie labelling on cakes and biscuits for up to six weeks or to continue with usual practice.
The results show a small but measurable decline in purchases of high-calorie foods, suggesting food labelling may help encourage different choices. However, the long-term effects remain unclear, and stakeholder concerns led some schools to withdraw from the study.
Some staff and parents raised concerns about the potential for negative effects on student well-being, including links to disordered eating. Others questioned the accuracy of the labels, noting that different body weights burn calories at different rates.
Researchers say that while there is currently no evidence that this type of labelling leads to eating disorders, unintended harms should be wholly investigated before wider adoption.
As schools are key environments where young people develop independent eating habits, they present a valuable setting for interventions that promote healthier choices. In England, an estimated 40% of children have overweight or obesity upon leaving primary school.2
Research Toolkit
What are the study's key findings, and what else should we consider for alternative food labeling?
KEY FINDINGS
- IMPACT ON PURCHASING HABITS
- Small reductions in discretionary food purchases suggest food labelling may change behaviour in school canteens.
- STAKEHOLDER CONCERNS
- Schools faced complaints and some negative reactions from parents, and staff had concerns about possible unintended effects on mental health and well-being, particularly the risk of promoting eating disorders.
- SMALL BUT MEANINGFUL CHANGE
- Although the study resulted in a small shift in the number of unhealthy foods bought, seemingly minimal changes can have a significant impact on both individual and public health.
- LONG TERM EFFECTS UNKNOWN
- Researchers do not know whether initial reductions in purchases would be sustained over time.
WHAT ELSE
- APPLICABLE TO ALL AGES
- Although this study took place in secondary schools, researchers believe this type of labelling could be applied to help curb obesity across different ages.
- SCHOOLS AS KEY SETTINGS
- While school settings vary across England, they are all considered prime locations in which to influence health behaviours. They are attended most days by pupils and typically do not already implement food labelling in their canteens.
- BIG BENEFIT, LITTLE COST
- This public health intervention would not be detrimental to the public purse, yet could improve both societal and individual health.
- INFORMED DECISION-MAKING
- There is a need for food labelling to contain more information that is accessible to young people and further guide them through making independent decisions around food.
Related Topics
- Food
- School canteen
- Labelling
- Physical activity
- Secondary schools
- Public health
- Healthy eating
Research Sources
Beat provides information and support for anyone affected by an eating disorder.
Visit the Beat website
Phone:
England: 0808 801 0677
Scotland: 0808 801 0432
Wales: 0808 801 0433
Northern Ireland: 0808 801 0434
1. Iris et al., 2025; 2. National Child Measurement Programme, England 2022-23 school year
Latest
1
Discipline in secondary schools: beneficial or costly?
2
Our messaging matters: how can we effectively engage teenagers about physical activity?
3
Surge in healthcare use for eating disorders among youth during lockdowns
4
Injuries cause more than just physical challenges for young players
5
Cooking classes in school: a recipe for better health?