Dietitians of Canada

Posting calories on restaurant menus

Background

Some health and consumer groups are asking for calories to be posted on restaurant menus. This is called “menu labelling”. It is just one of many possible ways to help people make healthier food choices when dining out. It may also help fight obesity.

Position

Menu labelling may help some consumers choose healthier foods. Studies show that consumers underestimate the calories in restaurant items. Menu labelling may help make consumers more aware of what is in the foods they eat.

To date, there is not a lot of research on how consumers will use the information on menus. Also, there are few studies to see if there are better options than printing calorie information on menus. More research is needed on this issue to determine its full potential as a way to promote healthier food choices and possibly prevent obesity.

Menu labelling laws are in place in several U.S. states and in some provinces. Their usefulness is being studied. The Canadian Cancer Society is funding research at the University of Waterloo to see if menu labelling has an impact on people’s food choices.

Action

DC published an evidence review "Does menu labelling make a difference to consumers' choices?" We shared this widely through the media.