Restaurant marketing to children may be associated with consumption. We examined whether and to what extent reported frequency of restaurant advertisements exposure was associated with consumption and money spent at all types of restaurants among children living in Canada. We also describe what children and youth report as appealing restaurant marketing techniques.

This study reports findings from a cross-sectional, online survey. The survey covered reported exposure to restaurant marketing, restaurant product consumption, money spent at restaurants and appealing features of restaurant advertisements. Descriptive statistics and adjusted and unadjusted linear and logistic regressions were constructed.

Canadian provinces

1500 children and youth aged 9–17 years.

A third (32 %) of participants reported restaurant advertisement exposure at least once per day. Overall, 43 % of participants consumed restaurant products more than twice per week, 61 % spent at least some money at a restaurant in the last 7 d, and of those who spent money, the mean expenditure in the last week was $20·70. Frequency of advertisement exposure was significantly associated with all outcomes. Several significant differences in outcomes emerged by region, age and race/ethnicity. Pictures were the most appealing marketing technique among both age groups; however, youth (aged 13–17 years) seemed to prioritise price and price promotions, while children (aged 9–12 years) prioritised toys, humour and winning prizes.

A large proportion of Canadian children and youth consumed restaurant offerings more than twice a week. Reported restaurant advertising exposure was significantly positively associated with restaurant consumption frequency and money spent at restaurants.