Believe it or not, the UK is quite a few years off the pace with regards to calorie labelling on menus for dining outside the home.
The US had the ‘Nutrition Labelling of Standard Menu Items at Chain Restaurants law’ passed into law in 2018 which states that restaurant chains with 20 or more locations will have to list calories for menu items, and, if prompted, be able to provide more detailed nutrition information (such as macronutrient composition).
Will putting calories on menus lead to consumers making healthier food choices in the UK?
Research in the US shows mixed results with some influence of menu labelling on food choices. Additional measures, such as healthy-food symbols and traffic-light labelling, was found to increase the effectiveness in promoting healthy eating.
The research suggests that for recipe and menu labelling to really make a difference, we should also consider the need for cultural change and education. And, of course, the food industry plays a big role here. By sharing calorie and nutrition info, food and beverage businesses can help make meals healthier and encourage the education around good nutrition.
Displaying calories on menus helps health-conscious customers to make choices that suit their wants and needs when dining out. It also encourages businesses with high-calorie menus to find ways to offer lighter options and complete transparency.
In the US, big chains have already cut calories in new dishes by 12% – 20%. This isn’t just because of new laws but also because customers are looking for healthier choices.
Does your F&B business comply with the calories on menus law?
Starting April 6th, 2022, businesses with over 250 employees are required by law to display calorie information on menus and food labels. This legislation affects cafes, restaurants, and takeaways, mandating them to show calorie details for non-prepacked food and drinks prepared for customers.
If you’re looking for an easy way to comply, contact the IndiCater team! We’ll help you understand the calorie content of your recipes, display it on both physical and digital menus, and connect directly with suppliers. We’re here to make this transition as smooth as possible.
Photo by Samuel Regan-Asante on Unsplash
