Ecolabels and the Impact on Healthfulness and Carbon Footprint of Restaurant Meal Choices: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Introduction

Restaurants worldwide are increasingly aligning with environmental sustainability trends by using ecolabels to signify dishes with lower environmental impact. Ecolabels, which identify foods that are more environmentally sustainable, have the potential to influence consumer choices toward healthier options and reduce the carbon footprint of meals. However, until now, the effectiveness of ecolabels in shifting consumer food choices in restaurant settings has been largely untested. This trial aimed to evaluate whether displaying ecolabels on restaurant menus improves the nutritional quality and reduces the carbon footprint of meals selected by consumers.

Study Design, Setting, and Participants