Caloric effect of a 16-ounce (473-mL) portion-size cap on sugar-sweetened beverages served in restaurants

Abstract

Background: New York City recently proposed a restriction to cap the portion size of all sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) sold in food-service establishments at 16 oz (473 mL). One critical question is whether such a policy may disproportionally affect lowincome or overweight individuals. Objective: The objective was to determine the demographic characteristics of US individuals potentially affected by a 16-oz portionsize cap on SSBs and the potential effect on caloric intake. Design: We analyzed dietary records from the NHANES 2007- 2010. We estimated the proportion of individuals who consumed at least one SSB >16 fluid oz (473 mL) in restaurants by age, household income, and weight status. Results: Of all SSBs >16 oz (473 mL) purchased from foodservice establishments, 64.7% were purchased from fast food restaurants, 28.2% from other restaurants, and 4.6% from sports, recreation, and entertainment facilities. On a given day, the policy would affect 7.2% of children and 7.6% of adults. Overweight individuals are more likely to consume these beverages, whereas there was no significant difference between income groups. If 80% of affected consumers choose a 16-oz (473-mL) beverage, the policy would result in a change of 257.6 kcal in each affected consumer aged 2-19 y (95% CI: 265.0, 250.1) and 262.6 kcal in those aged ≥20 y (95%CI: 267.9, 257.4). Conclusion: A policy to cap portion size is likely to result in a modest reduction in excess calories from SSBs, especially among young adults and children who are overweight. © 2013 American Society for Nutrition.