US adults noticing and using menu calorie information: Analysis of the National Cancer Institute's Health Information National Trends Survey Data

FDA's Menu Labeling Final Rule requires covered establishments provide calorie information on menus or menu boards, among other requirements. This study describes correlates of noticing and using menu calorie information in a nationally representative sample of U.S. adults before implementation of the Final Rule in May 2018. Data from the 2018 National Cancer Institute Health Information National Trends Survey was used to assess noticing menu calorie information, using menu calorie information to change menu ordering behavior, and knowledge of daily calorie needs. Regression analysis of weighted data tested associations between individual characteristics and noticing and using menu calorie information. Nearly half of adults (44%) reported noticing menu calorie information. Women, younger individuals, those who seek health information, individuals with a BMI >= 30, and those with higher education or higher income were more likely to report noticing menu calorie information. Among adults who reported noticing menu calorie information, three-quarters responded by ordering less (e.g., fewer calories), which equates to about one-third of the population. About 36% of women and 42% of men lacked calorie knowledge. Men with, versus without, calorie knowledge were twice as likely to report noticing menu calorie information (adjusted OR 2.23 95% CI 1.51, 3.29). Findings suggest behavioral response to menu calorie information varies and most individuals who notice the information respond by ordering less in ways that could reduce caloric intake. Future analyses could compare noticing and using menu calorie information before and after menu labeling implementation to assess the effect of policy on population behaviors.