Do calorie counts on menus help in NYC?
November 16, 2009
By Michelle Blum
New York City restaurants are required to put the calories next to their menu items. A few weeks ago, it was reported that this law had no effect on the calorie content of meals bought at chain restaurants in neighborhoods with a lower socioeconomic status. Overall, however, New Yorkers ordered fewer calories at four top chain restaurants including Au Bon Pain, KFC, McDonalds and Starbucks since the law went into effect. Due to promotional efforts, such as Subway’s “five dollar foot long,” some chains went up in overall calorie consumption. Even those these two findings seem to contradict one another, researches believe that differences in focus and size can explain the contradiction.
While the total number of calories has not changed significantly overall in chain restaurants, the number of calories consumed a coffee shops in particular has declined by almost ten percent. Interestingly enough, only 56% of chain restaurant consumers noticed the calories were posted, and of those that did, only 15% actually used it. Those included in the 15% consumed about 105 fewer calories than those who chose not to use the information, or did not notice it. Dr. Lynn Silver commented saying that dietary change comes slowly and they were not expecting to see miracles.
I was shocked when I read this article. The first thing I noticed when I went to the city for the first time after the law was past was the little number next to the menu items around the city. I know that being in the nutrition field, I am a bit more sensitive to this change then the average person, but reading that people flat out did not notice it was shocking to me. I always believed that the reason people ordered the way they did at fast food establishments was out of ignorance. When I work with my own clients, and I tell them how many calories are in menu items that they eat, they are always surprised and use that information when the order in the future. For people to be given the tools and information to make more educated decisions about what they put into their bodies and not only not use it, but not even notice it was astounding to me. Given the fact that more than half of our adult population is overweight, and 15% of the 65% that actually noticed it chose to use the information is a scary statistic. I agree that dietary change happens slowly, but I am afraid that being overweight had become such the norm that people don’t feel the need or pressure to change them at all.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/03/health/03nutrition.html?_r=1&ref=nutrition
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1.
Allen Hidalgo | November 18, 2009 at 12:42 pm
I never thought that putting how many calories a meal has would affect if people buy it or not. Those who are trying to be healthy most likely wouldnt go to mcdonals. People who dont really watch what they eat will end up eating a bigmac, not careing that it has over 500 cals.
2.
Brittany Demetriou | November 18, 2009 at 3:11 pm
I could definitely believe the fact that only 56% of the people noticed the calories were added to menus. Fast food menus don’t change very often, and many people who frequent fast food restaurants probably already know what they’re ordering before they step foot into the restaurant. Therefore they wouldn’t have a reason to read the menu and notice the new addition.
3.
Kris Root | November 18, 2009 at 6:14 pm
I’m not surprised that people don’t generally notice the calories written on menus, and am even less surprised that barely any one uses it in decision making. Like Brittany says, those who frequent the fast food chains are not going to even really need to look at the menus; their mind is already made up. When people go to restaurants, it’s usually for a nice time out with friends to unwind and relax with them. I know when I do this, the last thing I care about is the calories I consume. it’s a treat to go out and eat, and often times I just want to indulge a little bit.
4.
Margaret Bialek | November 19, 2009 at 3:49 pm
This article was so interesting to read. However, I’m not surprised. Many people are aware of what they are in the mood for and most of the time it’s not a healthy choice. Although the menus are suppose to aid individuals to choosing healthier options, people choose to ignore it. America has one of the highest obesity rates based on individuals choosing high caloric items. Also, individuals seek a lot of fast food because it is so quick and convenient. However, majority of individuals, who don’t go out religiously will choose to indulge in what they crave and ignore nutritional facts.
5.
Jasica Chhabra | November 26, 2009 at 10:49 pm
Having calories on a menu might not work but I don’t think it is a terrible idea. I think people are sometimes oblivious as to what is actually healthy for them. People order the “healthy salad lunch” and forget about the additional items that will in fact make their nutritious meal not so great for them, like bacon or cheese or whatever it may be. I am sure that calorie labeling would be very useful! There is no reason for people not to know how much energy is going into their mouths, especially when the calorie counts of many items on menus today are extremely high, in the 1000+ range. Listing the calories certainly won’t hurt anyone.
6.
Mallory Crisona | November 30, 2009 at 6:07 pm
I think that whether or not people will pay attention to the fact that the calorie count is available, it SHOULD ALWAYS be available. That way, people are, at the least, armed with information and can do with it what they choose. Ignorance is bliss and not knowing what we are consuming has led to over-consumption of foods and, of course, the well known obesity epidemic in the country. People need to be more educated about what is going into their bodies and this is a great way to start it.