Calorie‐Free Menus as a Potential Mitigation Strategy for Mandatory Calorie Labelling: Evidence From People With Disordered Eating in England

OBJECTIVE: Since the introduction of mandatory out-of-home calorie labelling in England, concerns have been raised about potential negative impacts on people with disordered eating. To mitigate these concerns, food outlets can provide calorie-free menus on request. However, no research has explored their use or impact among people with disordered eating. METHOD: We conducted a cross-sectional mixed methods study on the wider impacts of calorie labelling among 1001 people aged ≥ 16 years in England with lived experience of disordered eating. Of these, 969 completed questions about calorie-free menus. In-depth quantitative analyses focused on 644 participants who reported negative impact of calorie labels (i.e., those who may benefit from calorie-free menus). RESULTS: Most people did not request calorie-free menus (63.88%), including those that reported negative impacts (53.57%). People with higher clinical impairment, current compensatory behaviours, current comorbid disorder, and a history of eating disorder treatment were more likely to use calorie-free menus. Qualitative analyses highlighted both practical barriers and social discomfort when accessing calorie-free menus. Those who did use calorie-free menus reported positive experiences. CONCLUSIONS: People with disordered eating may benefit from accessing calorie-free menus. Addressing practical and social barriers may improve eating experiences of people with disordered eating in the out-of-home sector.