Whether it’s a glass of bubbles to mark a milestone or a cold beer after work with mates, many Australians enjoy an alcoholic drink now and then. But while we’re used to seeing calories, sugars and salts listed on everyday food and drink labels, alcohol has long been exempt from these requirements.
Now, as Australia mandates energy labelling on packaged alcoholic beverages, researchers at the University of South Australia are examining what these changes could mean for consumers.
In a new national survey, researchers will evaluate how Australians might perceive these new labels – and whether the information could influence what (or how much) they choose to drink.
In Australia, more than a third of people report drinking alcohol every week, with more than one in four adults exceeding the recommended Australian Adult Alcohol Guidelines. In 2024, alcohol was the sixth highest risk factor contributing to Australia’s burden of disease.
New alcohol labels could curb consumption
UniSA researcher and PhD candidate Milana Crevar says the energy statements hope to improve consumer knowledge about alcohol and how it is associated with chronic disease such cardiovascular disease, several cancers and diabetes.
‘One way to reduce the health hazards of excess alcohol consumption and preventable health concerns is to ensure that consumers know exactly what they’re putting into their bodies – and fit-for-purpose energy labels can help achieve this,’ said Ms Crevar.
‘Nutrition panels are familiar to consumers because they’ve long been included on food and drink packaging – but until now alcoholic drinks have been exempt.
‘Knowing that the calories in a glass of wine are equivalent to those in a cheeseburger, or a chocolate donut, could make people think twice about overindulging. The new labelling mandate intends to help consumers better manage their alcohol intake and make more informed decisions about consumption. But the question is: will they work?
‘Our survey will gather consumers’ opinions of these upcoming changes,’ she said.
‘We will look at what people think of alcohol energy labelling, nutrition and ingredient lists, how effective they feel the labels will be, preferred labelling options, and importantly, whether they believe the intervention will encourage positive behaviour change.’
Labels
Under the Food Standards Code by the Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) Board, the new energy labels will include information on energy content (per serving and per 100 mL), the number of servings per package and the number of standard drinks per serving.
Milana Crevar says the survey results may influence recommendations for future alcohol labelling policies in Australia and New Zealand.
‘With increasing rates of chronic disease associated with excessive alcohol consumption, there is international pressure to identify ways to initiate change to prevent and reduce the harmful use of alcohol,’ she said.
‘But with mixed reviews about how the new labelling will work, it’s important that we gather consumers’ views and opinions. This survey gives Australians an important opportunity to have their say and help shape the future of alcohol labelling and public health.’
The survey is open to all Australian and New Zealand adults aged 18 and over.
Have your say here: https://unisasurveys.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_2ozsizpUdmxGYdw.
