The Effectiveness of Physical Activity Calorie Equivalent (PACE) Label on Reducing Food Consumption and Increasing Physical Activity Levels: a Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: More people are at the risk of chronic disease as the prevalence of obesity increases. It is therefore essential to find ways of helping consumers to make a lower calorie food choice. Current evidence indicates that current food labelling is changing food choices and consumption, but it is of limited effectiveness. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to assess the efficacy of physical activity calorie equivalent (PACE) food labelling on food selection and consumption using a randomised experimental design in pop-up café. Method: This study as a randomised controlled experimental trial (RCT) was conducted in a research kitchen at Loughborough University. Participants were blinded to the exact purpose of the study and randomised to either exposure to PACE labelling plus calorie food labelling or calorie labelling only and asked to select food/drinks for their consumption, in the pop-up café up to a maximum value cost of £10. The study outcomes were the amount of money spent, the number of calories selected, and the amount of food consumed after exposure to the two different types of food labels.