News

Restaurants shave 12% off new menu item calorie counts

The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health documented an average decline of about 60 calories in new menu items in 2013, compared to 2012.

October 8, 2014

A study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health revealed that restaurants shaved an average of 12 percent off new menu items between 2013 and 2012, according to an NPR story.

The researchers point to new municipal regulations and pending Affordable Care Act provisions requiring restaurants to post calorie counts on their menus as the possible driver behind the changes.

"The restaurant industry is continuing to showcase its commitment to wellness and meeting the desire of consumers for more healthful options. This study verifies that restaurants and chefs have made significant progress in creating new menu offerings that are both innovative and nutritious," said the National Restaurant Association in a statement. "Through our Kids LiveWell program, the National Restaurant Association has been promoting and inspiring restaurants to expand healthier menu options for children. We have also advocated for the implementation of a nationwide menu labeling standard that provides consumers the nutritional information they need to make the choice that is right for them."

The study included more than 19,000 menu items from 66 restaurant chains.