Limited evidence to suggest food labels reduce sugar intake among low-income groups: research

Researchers are calling for stronger measures to reduce sugar consumption after a new paper finds limited evidence that front-of-pack food labels help lower intake among disadvantaged groups. 

The study, published in Obesity Reviews, found that while front-of-pack labelling (FOPL) can reduce sugar consumption at a broad population level, there is little evidence these labels are effective in reducing sugar intake among low-income or socioeconomically disadvantaged consumers or in addressing health inequalities. 

Led by researchers at the University of Sydney’s Charles Perkins Centre, the findings highlight the limits of relying on food labelling alone to tackle high sugar-related disease. 

“The implication is that while front-of-pack labels may support healthier choices at a broader societal level, they are unlikely to substantially reduce inequalities in diet and health without broader structural interventions,” said senior author Associate Professor Ankur Singh, Chair of Lifespan Oral Health at the Charles Perkins Centre.  

The review found evidence that simplified nutrition labels can influence consumer behaviour overall, but far less evidence that they are effective for lower-income or disadvantaged populations, who often face additional barriers to healthy eating including cost, access and food literacy. 

"These labels alone may be insufficient to reduce socioeconomic inequalities in sugar consumption if broader structural barriers, such as limited food affordability, unequal food access, and disproportionate exposure to unhealthy food marketing remain unaddressed,” said Associate Professor Singh. 

How the study worked  

The researchers conducted a systematic review of 10 studies from multiple high-income countries examining the effectiveness of front-of-pack labelling on sugar consumption and purchasing behaviour. 

The study reviewed published analyses of front-of-pack labels from the US, Sweden, Chile and Ecuador, however the findings have global implications.  

“While food labelling systems differ across countries, the findings are globally relevant, where conditions linked to high sugar intake, such as tooth decay and metabolic disorders, are strongly socially patterned.” 

“The main learning here is the equity impact, rather than how food labels work by country. The paper highlights a significant gap in the evidence supporting front-of-pack labels as a strategy for reducing sugar consumption among disadvantaged groups. 

“Front-of-pack labelling may be most effective when implemented alongside complementary strategies such as sugar taxation, product reformulation, healthy food subsidies, and targeted nutrition education.” 

Research  

Singh A, et al, The Impact of Front-of-Pack Labeling on Social Inequality in Sugar Consumption and Purchase: A Systematic Review, Obesity Reviews (2026)  

DOI: 10.1111/obr.70150 

Declaration: The authors declare no conflicts of interest. The authors acknowledge financial support provided by the China Scholarship Council-University of Melbourne PhD Scholarship (Grant No. 20230824005).