Can a mandatory energy labelling policy help young people navigate complex food environments?

Abstract Background Diet-related disease is a complex problem, driven by individual, societal and environmental factors. Food policies aim to change food environments and tackle inequalities in diet-related health. The UK implemented a mandatory energy [kcal] labelling scheme for out-of-home food environments in Apr 2022. This study explored young people's views of the policy. Methods A participatory action research approach was used, with creative qualitative research methods [Photovoice], in two economically deprived English regions: one coastal and one urban. Twenty young people [12-17 years old] were recruited via youth groups. They participated in workshops and created photography exhibitions in each region. Thematic codebook analysis was used to analyse workshop audio transcripts, photographs and captions. Results Three themes were identified. In RELEVANCE OF CALORIES TO SUPPORT HEALTHY EATING, young people saw information on energy content was useful, if limited. Many were shocked at the energy content of drinks [e.g., iced coffee]. Yet, they didn't think the policy helped them judge the ‘healthiness’ or nutritional quality of the foods that mattered to them. In NAVIGATING FOOD ENVIRONMENTS, the complexity and constraints of food environments for young people were felt with the domination of big business through advertising, promotions and displacement of independent businesses. These power imbalances were thought to influence their ability to consume diverse and healthy diets. They spoke passionately about CULTURAL AND EMOTIONAL CONNECTIONS TO FOOD, demonstrating young people were knowledgeable consumers who recognised that multiple social factors influenced their out-of-home food choices. Conclusions Young people need more support to navigate increasingly complex and inequitable food environments. Their voices are often neglected in policy development. This study presents the experiences of young people and contributes to wider food policy evaluations. Key messages • Food policies in the UK appear inadequate to help young people navigate increasingly complex digital and in-person food environments. • Labelling foods in the out-of-home sector with their energy content [kcal] is unlikely to have a significant impact on the dietary intake of young people.