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In the News: Fast Food Giant to Post Calorie Counts

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By: Jen Mueller : 10/13/2008 7:29:58 AM : 165 comments

Would you think twice about your choice if fast food restaurants put calorie counts on their menus? The parent company of KFC, Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, Long John Silver�s and A&W All-American Food (Yum Brands, Inc.) said recently that it will voluntarily add product calorie information to menu boards in its company-owned restaurants nationwide. They will also encourage their franchises to provide the same calorie information on their menu boards.

Similar initiatives have been popping up recently, but this is the first on a nationwide scale. California will require chains with at least 20 restaurants in the state to provide calorie counts on menus or indoor menu boards beginning in 2011. New York City also requires chains to post calorie counts on the menu.

Yum Brands has also decided to stop all advertising of their products on television programs aimed at children under 12 and will be launching some online exercise programs to help educate their consumers.

When asked if they will be following suit, McDonald's said it will continue using current methods of informing customers by providing nutritional information on its Web site, on select product packaging, in brochures available in its restaurants and on the back of trayliners.

Kudos to this company for taking steps to educate their patrons! One of my biggest pet peeves about eating out is when you can't find any nutritional information about where you're going- online, in the restaurant, etc. People who want to be informed so that they are able to make good choices aren't being given the facts they need. I understand that this can be more difficult for independent restaurants with one or two locations, but there are some big chains (and you know who you are!) who don't provide this information either.

Do you think restaurants should be required to provide this information? Are you less likely to go somewhere if you don't know the nutritional information about what you're eating?

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Comments (Scroll to end to leave a comment)

REINDEA 1/21/2010 1:57:20 PM	Glad they are making it easier for us! Normally when I go out I ask for the information before ordering if it isn't posted. I think we have a right to make informed choices. If I know that we are going out a head of time I'll check on the web, almost everywhere has nutritional information on the web now.	165
GEOMUSIC19 1/20/2010 2:08:25 PM	This is a fantastic idea! I try to avoid eating out but face it, sometimes it is a necessary evil! It would be nice to have readily accessible nutrition information so that I can make a well informed, healthy decision about what I'm putting in my body. If I know ahead of time that I'll be eating out, I always try to go online and get the information from a particular place I'm interested in. If I can't find any information then I choose to go to a different place (if I have that decision) that does post their information in some form or another. Consumers have enough power to alter the way these places are treating us. We have the dollar and the dollar is the power! Choose to eat out at places with plenty of healthy choices and that aren't afraid of putting the nutritional information on ALL of their products; both good or bad!	164
EDROLET 11/16/2009 6:19:23 PM	what a great idea! it's no wonder that there are so many people struggling with weight today...people don't know enough and often don't research enough before they eat. if it's posted somewhere they don't have a choice! more importantly...we need to help our kiddos of today who don't understand and don't know what to do!	163
BAREADER 11/14/2009 11:49:05 AM	It's about time, I like that they are doing it voluntarily. I always like to plan what I am going to eat if I am going out, that would make it so much easier to stay out of trouble in the first place!	162
CHEETABEAN 11/11/2009 10:39:52 AM	I think it is great! I have avoided some places just because there was no information. But like a previous poster said it all depends on the cook as well. I think it should be posted for everyone to see. If people don't worry about it then they don't have to pay an mind to it. I would love to be able to go out to eat with my family and find the value for each meal and the correct portion size for the value with out having to sit there forever and getting upset because I am worring about the calories something has. These places may think they are going to lose money but in the long run, they will have more customers because of the information they are putting out there. We are living in a time where people are starting to be concerned with what they are eating and how much they exercising. At least I'd like to think so. But that is just my opinion.	161
LABYRINTH 11/9/2009 9:20:19 AM	Don't think they are doing it out of the kindness of their hearts! They are doing this because states are requiring it so they are making it sound like they are some sort of do-gooders and "we care." If you really cared, you would be offering better choices! ha!	160
VEGPUNK 6/6/2009 3:44:40 PM	If I was unable to get nutrition info, I would go somewhere else.	159
2MOM30 4/11/2009 1:08:29 PM	Okay, if we are all so truly dedicated to a lifestyle change for better habits and a healthier life, we would not frequent such restaurants. (so you might have a friend or love one say to you) Truth is that the real world doesn't work that way. Let's say that you are out with friends who do not have obstacles do deal with, due in part to their tiny frames or higher metabolism. So they always like to eat at fast food places. If given the choice to pick a place to eat so I don't look like a whiner (ie; no I can't eat there because I haven't got a clue as to calories, points, grams etc. etc.) then I would most certainly pick the place that gives me the information that will help me make the right choices for my lifestyle. Do I have the time to go on line and prepare for an outing? Maybe, but having the info in the restaurant makes it so much easier and It should be required.	158
AJC_80 4/9/2009 7:25:50 AM	I don't avoid places when I don't know the nutritional info, but it does help immensely!	157
-CORAL- 4/7/2009 2:19:01 AM	I had read awhile ago that Applebees does not provide nutrition information, and because of that, I will not eat there! I do eat fast food sometimes, but at least all the places I eat at have the nutrition info on their website (and SP folks are very good about having the info on here). I think nutrition info should be required of all restaurants.	156
ANNALEA753 4/7/2009 1:13:07 AM	I saw the calories posted at a local Taco Bell a couple months ago in Seattle (at the time they were one of 2 in the state piloting the program) and as soon as I saw it I called the customer comment line to thank them for this change! I was able to look at the menu and within 3 minutes select a meal that would keep me under 500 calories!! Earlier this week, I walked out of Quiznos because they REMOVED their calorie information from their menu board... Originally, that was only posted for the Sammies...not any more!!	155
HERBLADYANN 4/6/2009 7:45:33 PM	I've actually stopped eating the food we sometimes get for reward lunches at work unless they have a website with nutritional info or have it on their containers. I think it should be required on all foods. I only eat meals out 2 or 3 times a month anyway.	154
FEMMEFATALE1 4/6/2009 4:54:00 PM	I think this is a great idea! Sometimes I'm overwhelmed when I "have" to eat fast food because you cant just order the grilled chicken all the times bc sometimes those have more calories than just getting a cheeseburger lol. I've been really avoiding fast food restaurants altogether so when I have to go I don't know what to get.	153
SALTYCHOCOLATE 4/6/2009 4:38:06 PM	What is nice is that YUM Brands is doing this on its own. Way to go! Now, whether or not people will pay attention is a different story. I am definitely one of those people who looks for the nutritional information. I can usually figure out the healthier choices, but sometimes I'm surprised. Of course, it's not as though I eat at fast food establishments very often.	152
JACQIBELLE01 4/6/2009 3:56:56 PM	I wish every place would provide nutritional info in some form. I think that online is the best/easiest way. That way you can access that info before going out to eat and it would save paper.	151
DRAGONFLY1972 4/5/2009 11:23:22 PM	I've eaten at two or three "popular, chain restaurants" since being on spark people and when I went home to log my food, I couldn't find any nutritional data on their websites, so I had to estimate. It sort of ticked me off and I figured I'd rather avoid those places then try to estimate the value of the dishes. Two were Outback Steakhouse and Applebee's. Applebee's I'll probably avoid altogether and Outback I'll save for special occasions and just load up on veggies. So point is, having nutritional data available really makes a difference for me. I want to be healthy and they are worrying about their bottom line istead of catering to the increasing number of people who want to be healthy and informed. BTW- I'd NEVER eat at Long John Silvers, no matt how healthy they claimed to be. I was there once about 6 months ago and can still smell the grease, thinking about the grease right now makes my stomach turn! I use the mental/emotional imaging to avoid temptation on other foods. So this is long, just my opinion.	150
ANGIEKAY84 4/5/2009 9:21:27 PM	I am definitely more likely to eat at a place that has the nutritional information, especially online. I often calculate the information and put it in my tracker before I even go, it helps me eat exactly what I allowed myself.	149
ARCHIMEDESII 4/5/2009 2:15:34 PM	This is wonderful news ! Of course, the fast food giants will all see their profits decrease. I really think that people will think twice when ordering once they find out how many calories they are eating. Most people don't realize how many calories they are eating. So, posting a true calorie count may get people to skip eating at fast food places. Either that or the fast food places will have to start offering healthier choices.	148
SPIDER_KITTEN 2/10/2009 3:19:51 AM	In regards to Applebees, I know that at least the locations I've been to in California and the one my fiance works at, have the nutrition information available in the restaurant, but you need to ask your server for it. It might be different in other locations, but its worth a shot. And if your server seems just unsure, ask for a manager to double check! A lot of little bits of information like that can easily not be passed on to new employees.	147
IAMSLEEPER 2/9/2009 1:42:55 PM	I think it should be a requirement of all restruants--not just "fast food". Restruants are just a guilty if not worse for overfeeding people. It should be required to put the calorie, etc content right beside the item of the menu. That way people can make wiser, healthier choices.	146
COLBYNANNY 2/9/2009 12:46:05 PM	Sounds great to me!	145
V-RON_CAN 2/2/2009 7:53:03 PM	Even as a California with our new law in effect I still wish that nutrition information were more available. I love to see that big chains are starting to post it right there on the menu so that consumers can really think about what they're getting themselves into. I feel like many places "make the information available" by hiding it somewhere awkward just to meet legal standards. I don't want to have to make a scene to see how many calories are in my lunch! I understand that it may be difficult, but I think that all restaurants, regardless of chain size, should have to post nutrition information.	144
LAINEYFROG 2/2/2009 10:49:56 AM	Wow, some people in corporate America are waking up, smelling the coffee, and responding to consumers! Good nutrition and lifelong fitness are two major ways that individuals can avoid or reduce visits to the doctor. How about that for reducing healthcare costs?	143
VCLTEACH 1/30/2009 7:16:12 PM	I'm glad that Yum Foods will be posting the calorie count for their foods. I have been eating at Chick Fil A if I have to eat out because they have a calorie chart- it makes it easy to stay in my calorie allowance.	142
BAMOM19 1/30/2009 4:55:29 PM	I think every establishment should be required to post the nutritional content of all food on their menu. There are some chains that I won't dine out at because they won't list the nutritional values of their entrees. One in particular is Outback. You can't even find the information at some of the sites like calorie king don't even have the information.	141
LADYBRIDGET 1/29/2009 2:52:32 PM	I think that all restaurants should be required to post calorie, fat, and carb counts on the MENU, not a brochure, not the interenet - but right there where it can be seen prior to ordering. That would not only help consumers make informed choices, but would also encourge restaurants to offer lighter fare. One other point is that some restaurants substitute ingredients when they run out of something, so if the information is listed on the menu, then the chefs have to make all the dishes the same way and with the same amounts. Not all of them do. For example, my step son used to be a cook at Cracker Barrel. How the food was made and what quantities of butter or salt were used depended on who cooked it. They did have basic recipes, but some employees 'did their own thing" to make it taste better. If it happens there, you know it happens other places too. Bottom line - you can depend on what you make at home, because YOU made it.	140
ECAPOZZIELLO 1/23/2009 9:41:20 PM	this is an amazing idea, wonderful...if people knew exactly how many calories they were consuming...staring them right there in the face, maybe they'd think twice!	139
CHISUS 1/20/2009 11:04:37 PM	Knowing what I know now, after being a member of the Spark community for less than two months, I mostly avoid restaurants where I can't get nutritional info, or reasonably attain it myself through re-creating the recipe ingredients in my nutrition log.	138
NICKI2B 1/19/2009 2:10:30 PM	There are times when I just walk out when the nutritional information is not available. If enough of us do that they may start to become aware just how many sales they are missing!	137
EMTGIRL352 1/19/2009 10:00:12 AM	I agree about Applebee's! No information in the restaurant. But they CAN provide you with a toll-free number to call & request info. That's not helpful when I'm sitting there with my daughter who is diabetic & wondering how many carbs are in everything. Not helpful at all!!!!	136
PFIFER80 1/19/2009 9:15:40 AM	It drives me insane when I can't get nutritional information from restaruants. Twice, I have searched the web for info on two different restaurant menus. . . finally resorting to calling and emailing the Company. I was told, the information was not available, but I should be assured that the freshest and most wholesome ingredients were used in preparation of their meals. I don't go to those two restaurants anymore - even though one of them I LOVE.	135
SPARKLE60 1/19/2009 6:47:52 AM	I think they should all have the information available on-lin, in a brochure and posted. You can't always plan ahead where you will end up so on-line doesn't work in that case. You may not have time to read a brochure if you are on the run. However...if it is posted for all to see you can make an informed decision in a matter of minutes. The flip side to this may be that the chains will finally be induced to go the healthy route. If all the "badness" is there for all the world to see they will either be shamed into doing better or sales will fall off and they will have to do better. Win-win for the public...especially our children	134
BUTTERFLY262 1/11/2009 11:37:27 PM	Finally, we know the truth!!	133
BRANDIG7 1/6/2009 4:48:15 PM	Applebee's is the restaurant that I can NEVER find information for! Hello, it's a huge chain, how can you not post your nutritional info?? The Applebee's in my town doesn't even offer the weight watchers meal, so I just try to avoid going there entirely.	132
KIMCATUS 1/6/2009 10:08:57 AM	As long as they post the information on their website and have brochures at the restaurants, I'm fine with that! I would love to see more of the chain restaurants doing at least that.	131
KYWOG1 1/6/2009 7:43:10 AM	They need to post the info it would help those of us that are trying to lose weight. If they are hiding info that can't be good and I more than likely don't want to eat there.	130
GOIN2LOSE2 1/5/2009 7:35:53 AM	That's great I am tired of serching the internet for hours looking for this info with no results most of the time.	129
AHAUNTEDPOET 12/2/2008 11:16:38 AM	It is about flippity floppity time! I gave up on fast food 4 years ago but I think information like this is impoprtant for everyone to make informed choices. Now if I could just get the nutrition info for the Waffle House... I bet if I knew how bad it really was in hard numbers, I would have less trouble resisting their siren's call. Which is why they hide it I'm sure.... it tastes WAY to good to have any redeeming nutritional qualities.	128
FIT4ME10 11/18/2008 10:29:26 PM	I think that this is awesome. It makes me feel like I would be more likely to support their company because at least they are trying to be socially conscious. I hope more companies will follow suit.	127
LORIDICK 11/18/2008 8:36:11 PM	all resturants should provide nutritional information. maybe if people knew how many calories and fat they were eating they would do something about it, at least they would be informed.	126
JAQILANTERN 11/14/2008 12:36:15 PM	It would be much more likely for me to stop at a food chain if they have nutrition facts readily available to me. That way instead of assuming everything is unhealthy I can check out my options. I'm sure this will add variety to restaurant menus and more alternatives to fries and high calorie salads. I'm excited to see this change!	125
SURFIE 11/7/2008 12:15:53 PM	I definitely think all restaurants should be required to provide nutritional information on their menu items. There are a few places where I have always enjoyed eating that do not provide the information. I'm getting to the point where I will not eat at those places anymore. It's not enough for some restaurants to provide a handful of "healthy" options - if they don't provide accurate nutrition info on those items it is still difficult to see how they fit into your diet. I am especially disappointed and disgusted with restaurants who promote items as "healthy" when they are just as full of fat and calories as other items. Sure, you may get some extra veggies, but you have to take it with all the fat and calories that you were trying to avoid!	124
LIVINHEALTHY9 10/22/2008 6:48:06 AM	I think every restaurant chain should do this. If they have faith in their menu, then they shouldn't be afraid to post the nutritional info. It might even bring in more customers because they will now have the facts to make better food choices.	123
SLPUCKETT 10/17/2008 11:24:00 PM	I am so thrilled. I've always had to ask for the nutrition information & a lot of places don't have the information available. I diet by counting calories & I hate to eat anywhere that I don't know what the calories are for the food I am ordering.	122
MEGUSTALEER 10/17/2008 10:14:22 AM	If I can't find the nutritional information for a restaurant, I always email them to complain. They usually reply that it would be impossible to post that information, because each meal is made differently at each restaurant or something like that. I think it is just a cop out, because they are afraid that we won't eat there if we know. I try to avoid those places. I do wish it was nationally required.	121
JM424694 10/17/2008 8:57:02 AM	I think this a on great idea and all fast food restaurants should be required to post calorie counts.	120
SLIMONICA2008 10/16/2008 2:36:10 PM	finally, the truth will be available!!!	119
SABRIELSWEETIE 10/15/2008 8:56:02 PM	I think there should be info available on-site and online.. I just found out today that my favorite coffee-drink is close to 500 calories. I didn't know that until I went to a calorie counter database to research it. I've been sabotaging myself all this time because I didn't know where to find the content sooner.	118
JOJOPI 10/15/2008 4:58:45 PM	I do not think that restaurants should be legally required to post calorie counts or other nutritional information. I think that they should be required to have that information available to customers who ask, just like manufacturers of packaged foods. This would allow those of us who are concerned with these things to get the information we need to make the healthiest choices for ourselves, but it would not interfere with the restaurant's right to make decisions about marketing and decor. Overall, I am not convinced that this is an issue that we need our lawmakers to resolve for us. I think that as individuals, we need to reward those businesses that are willing to help us meet our health and nutrition goals. No one really thinks that McDonald's or anyone else is going to close their doors because we chose to eat somewhere else. But business leaders are always looking to improve their market shares, so if there are a large number of consumers who want the information, they will find a way to get it to us.	117
OPERACHIC 10/15/2008 12:57:46 PM	I live in NYC, and I have noticed several things happening because of restaurants being forced to post the calorie info on menus: 1. It makes the public more (sometimes painfully!) aware of how many calories are in the food they would normally eat 2. People (that I know) are more likely to change what they eat based on the posted nutritional info to find similar, but healthier options at the same restaurant 3. It makes it easier to make better choices on the fly, without having to do research on a website before going to the restaurant! 4. Restaurants that have REALLY unhealthy food are changing their portion sizes and ingredients to lower those totals to make the food more marketable. YAY! As a consumer, I think it's awesome! I believe in a free-market, and allowing consumers to easily see what they are buying gives power to the buyer. Those who would rather ignore the info can do just that. Restaurants that would prefer to "fool" their customer base don't deserve to have my business.	116