• Natassja Billich, Miranda R Blake, Kathryn Backholer, Megan Cobcroft, Vincy Li, and Anna Peeters.
• Deakin University, Global Obesity Centre, Institute for Healthcare Transformation, School of Health and Social Development, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia; Department of Nutrition, Dietetics and Food, Be Active Sleep Eat (BASE) Facility, School of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Notting Hill, VIC 3168, Australia.
• Appetite. 2018 Sep 1; 128: 233-241.

Purpose And AimSugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) provide little nutritional value and are associated with an increased risk of diet-related diseases. Despite this, SSB consumption is high globally. One emerging strategy aimed at reducing SSB consumption involves the use of front-of-pack (FOP) labels that clearly identify the risks associated with SSB consumption. The aim of this research study was to determine whether FOP labels with a graphic warning, text warning, sugar information (with the number of teaspoons of added sugar) or Health Star Rating (HSR) reduces intended choice of a SSB in an online choice experiment with young Australian adults.Results994 participants were recruited and completed the online choice experiment. Compared to the control group who were not exposed to a label, the graphic warning, text warning, sugar information and HSR labels all significantly reduced selection of a SSB in the choice scenario. The magnitude of effect was greatest for the graphic warning label (OR 0.22 95% CI 0.14-0.35). Compared to the control group, only the HSR label significantly increased selections of the high HSR drinks (OR 2.18 95% CI 1.20-3.97).ConclusionsFOP labels, particularly those with graphic warnings, have the potential to reduce intended SSB purchases. Labels that also identify healthier alternatives may influence consumers to substitute SSBs with healthier drinks.Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

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