Evaluating the impact of added sugar warning labels in restaurants
Official title: A large-scale quasi-experimental evaluation of added sugar warning labels in restaurants
Funded at New York University School of Medicine · NIH-10998314 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how warning labels about added sugar on restaurant menus in New York City affect what people choose to buy, and it aims to find out which groups of people are most influenced by these labels.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York University School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | July 2, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $717,441 |
| NIH project number | 1R37CA294883-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10998314 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals aged 21 and older who frequently dine at restaurants in New York City.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not consume added sugars or do not dine out in restaurants may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the effects of added sugar warning labels on restaurant menus in New York City, which became the first U.S. jurisdiction to implement such a policy. The study aims to understand how these labels influence consumer behavior, particularly in terms of food purchases, and to identify which demographic groups are most affected. By employing a quasi-experimental design, the research will compare purchasing patterns before and after the implementation of the warning labels, while also considering changes in similar locations without the labels. The study will utilize data collected through a mobile app that surveys consumers in real-time about their purchasing decisions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved public health outcomes by reducing the consumption of high-sugar foods and decreasing the incidence of related chronic diseases.
How similar studies have gone: While similar warning label studies have shown success in other areas, this specific approach to added sugar warnings is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in real-world restaurant settings.
Where this research is happening
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New York University School of Medicine
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rummo, Pasquale — New York University School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Rummo, Pasquale
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.