Why Do Some Restaurants Not Show Calories?

As someone who is conscience of what they eat, it can be frustrating going to a restaurant and not being able to see the calorie count for a dish.

It is important to be able to make informed decisions about what we eat, especially if you are trying to lose or maintain weight.

However, not all restaurants display the calorie count, leaving many people wondering why.

The Importance of Calorie Counting

Customer reading restaurant menu.
Customer reading restaurant menu.

Calorie counting can be a useful tool for individuals who are looking to lose or maintain weight.

By knowing how many calories are in a particular food, you can make an informed decision about what to eat.

Restaurants that display calorie counts on their menus make it easier for their patrons to make healthier choices.

What The Law Says On Calorie Counting

In 2010, the Affordable Care Act was signed into law, which required chain restaurants with 20 or more locations to display calorie counts on their menus.

The law was put into place to combat obesity rates in the United States.

However, there are still many restaurants that choose not to display the calorie count.

The Restaurant Industry’s Stance

Many restaurants have chosen not to display the calorie count because they do not want to be responsible for the accuracy of the information.

The calories of a dish can vary depending on how it is prepared, which can be difficult to keep up with.

The restaurant industry argues that it would be too expensive for them to have every dish analyzed for its calorie count.

There are certain menu items that are exempt from displaying their calorie count on the menu.

These include daily specials, temporary menu items, and custom orders.

Restaurants That Do Show Calorie Counts

While not every restaurant displays the calorie count on their menu, there are some that do.

Chain restaurants like Starbucks and Panera Bread are required by law to display the calorie count, but there are also many independently owned restaurants that choose to display the information voluntarily.

Why Do We Need To Debate

There is a debate among health experts as to whether or not displaying the calorie count on menus has had an impact on obesity rates.

Some studies have shown that it has helped individuals make healthier choices, while others argue that it has not had a significant impact.

The Future of Calorie Counting

In 2017, the Trump administration delayed the implementation of the Affordable Care Act, which would have required chain restaurants to display the calorie count.

It is unclear when this law will be enforced. However, many restaurants continue to display the calorie count voluntarily.

FAQs

What Is Calorie Counting?

Calorie counting is the act of keeping track of the number of calories consumed in a day.

Why Do Some Restaurants Not Display Calorie Counts?

Some restaurants argue that it is too expensive to analyze every dish for its calorie count. Others believe that they should not be responsible for the accuracy of the information.

Are Chain Restaurants Required To Display Calorie Counts?

Chain restaurants with 20 or more locations are required by law to display calorie counts on their menus.

How Has The Debate On Calorie Counting Impacted Obesity Rates?

There is a debate among health experts as to whether or not displaying calorie counts has had an impact on obesity rates. Some studies have shown that it has helped individuals make healthier choices, while others argue that it has not had a significant impact.

What Menu Items Are Exempt From Displaying Calorie Counts?

Daily specials, temporary menu items, and custom orders are exempt from displaying calorie counts.

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Norah Clark

Norah Clark

Norah Clark, the founder and editor of YummyTasteFood! She's a seasoned food writer and editor with over a decade of experience in the hospitality industry as a former pastry chef, sous chef, and barista. When not writing about food, she explores new recipes or travels the world for culinary inspiration.

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