This study assessed the effects of different strategies for influencing adolescents’ beverage choices in low-income, predominately Black neighbourhoods in Baltimore, Maryland. The intervention randomly posted 1 of 3 signs at the point of purchase with the following caloric information: (1) absolute caloric count, (2) percentage of total recommended daily intake, and (3) physical activity equivalent. Data were collected from 4 neighbourhood stores for 1600 beverage sales to Black adolescents aged 12–18 years, including 400 during a baseline period and 400 for each of the 3 caloric condition interventions. Offering any caloric information at all reduced the likelihood of sugar-sweetened beverage purchases compared with no intervention (OR, 0.56). When examining the 3 caloric conditions separately, there was a significant effect observed only when caloric information was publicised as a physical activity equivalent (OR, 0.51).
