Researchers studied what would happen if food companies changed the portion sizes listed on packaged food labels to match what people actually eat. The study looked at popular foods in the United States, United Kingdom, and France to see if showing smaller portions could help people consume fewer calories and less salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats. The findings suggest that updating portion labels on common packaged foods could be a simple way to help people make healthier choices without having to completely change their eating habits or rely only on willpower.
The Quick Take
- What they studied: Whether changing the portion sizes shown on food package labels could help people eat fewer calories and consume less salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats
- Who participated: This was a computer simulation study analyzing popular packaged foods sold in the United States, United Kingdom, and France. No actual people participated in the study.
- Key finding: The research suggests that if food companies updated their portion labels to match realistic serving sizes that people actually eat, it could significantly reduce the total calories and unhealthy nutrients people consume from packaged foods
- What it means for you: This research suggests that clearer, more realistic portion labels on food packages might help you naturally eat less without feeling like you’re dieting. However, this is a theoretical study, so real-world results may vary depending on whether people actually pay attention to labels and change their behavior.
The Research Details
Researchers used computer modeling to simulate what would happen if food companies changed the portion sizes listed on packaged food labels. Instead of conducting a traditional study with people, they analyzed data about popular packaged foods and how much people typically eat of them in three countries: the United States, United Kingdom, and France.
The researchers looked at common foods that people buy regularly and calculated how much of each nutrient (like calories, salt, sugar, and fat) would be consumed if the portion labels were adjusted to match what real people actually eat. This allowed them to predict the potential health impact without needing to run a long-term experiment with actual people.
This type of simulation study is useful because it can quickly show whether a policy change might work before governments or companies invest time and money in implementing it.
This research approach matters because it helps policymakers and food companies understand the potential benefits of changing food labels before making real changes. If the simulation shows positive results, it gives them confidence that the change is worth trying. This type of research is also faster and less expensive than studying thousands of people over many years.
This is a simulation study, which means it’s based on mathematical models and data analysis rather than observing real people’s behavior. The strength of this study depends on how accurate the data is about what people actually eat and how realistic the portion size assumptions are. The study examined multiple countries, which makes the findings more broadly applicable. However, simulation studies cannot prove that people will actually change their eating habits if labels change—that would require real-world testing.
What the Results Show
The simulation suggests that updating portion labels on packaged foods to match realistic serving sizes could reduce the total amount of calories people consume from these foods. The study found that this change could also lower people’s intake of added sugars, salt, and unhealthy fats—nutrients that health experts say most people consume too much of.
The potential benefits appeared consistent across all three countries studied, suggesting that this approach might work in different parts of the world with different food cultures and eating habits. The researchers found that certain food categories (like snacks, beverages, and prepared meals) showed the greatest potential for reducing unhealthy nutrient intake through portion label changes.
Interestingly, the study suggests that this change could work because people tend to eat what they think is a single serving. If the label shows a smaller portion as the standard serving, people may naturally eat less without feeling restricted or deprived.
The research also examined which types of foods would benefit most from portion label changes. Processed snacks, sugary drinks, and ready-to-eat meals showed the largest potential for reducing calorie and nutrient intake. The study found that the benefits would likely be greatest for people who regularly consume packaged foods, which is a significant portion of the population in developed countries.
Previous research has shown that portion sizes on food labels often don’t match what people actually eat, and that people tend to consume whatever portion size is presented to them. This study builds on that knowledge by asking: what if we fixed this mismatch? The findings align with other research suggesting that simple changes to how food is labeled or presented can influence eating behavior without requiring people to have perfect willpower.
This study is based on computer models and assumptions about how people eat, not on actual observation of people changing their behavior. The real-world impact could be different because people might not pay attention to portion labels, or they might ignore them even if they’re more realistic. The study also assumes that food companies would actually change their labels, which may not happen without government regulation. Additionally, the study doesn’t account for individual differences—some people might be more influenced by label changes than others.
The Bottom Line
Based on this research, updating food package labels to show realistic portion sizes appears to be a promising strategy for helping people eat healthier. However, this is a theoretical study, so the recommendation has moderate confidence. The best approach would likely combine label changes with other strategies like nutrition education and making healthy foods more convenient and affordable. If you’re trying to eat healthier, paying attention to portion sizes on labels—whether they’re updated or not—is a practical step you can take today.
This research is relevant to anyone who regularly eats packaged foods, which includes most people in developed countries. It’s particularly important for people trying to manage their weight, reduce salt intake, or lower their sugar consumption. Policymakers, food companies, and public health officials should care about this research because it suggests a relatively simple change that could benefit entire populations. People who cook mostly from scratch and rarely eat packaged foods may see less benefit from this change.
If food companies did change their portion labels tomorrow, the health benefits would likely develop gradually over weeks and months as people adjusted their eating habits. You probably wouldn’t notice dramatic changes immediately, but over time, eating slightly smaller portions of packaged foods could lead to meaningful weight loss and improved health markers like blood pressure and cholesterol.
Want to Apply This Research?
- Track the portion sizes you actually eat of packaged foods for one week. Record the food name, the portion size listed on the label, and the actual amount you consumed. This creates awareness of whether you’re eating more than the listed serving size.
- When you buy packaged foods, take 10 seconds to look at the portion size listed on the label. Before eating, measure out one serving using the label’s definition (or estimate it) and eat only that amount. Notice how you feel after eating a measured portion versus eating straight from the package.
- Every two weeks, review your portion tracking data to see if you’re naturally eating closer to the labeled portion sizes. Track your energy levels, hunger patterns, and any changes in how your clothes fit. This long-term monitoring helps you understand whether paying attention to portions is actually helping you feel better and eat less.
This research is a computer simulation study and has not been tested with real people. The findings suggest what might happen if portion labels changed, but actual results in real life could be different. This information is educational and should not replace advice from your doctor or registered dietitian. If you have specific health concerns or dietary needs, consult with a healthcare professional before making significant changes to your eating habits. This study does not provide personalized medical advice.