There are still plenty of people who are going to order that heart-attack-waiting-to-happen-on-the-bun no matter how bad it is for them to eat, but most consumers would like to know the nutritional value (or lack thereof) of what they are eating. Oh yeah, they also want restaurants to put the information on the menu voluntarily and not have to be forced to do it by the government.
According to research by Mintel, 60 percent of consumers think that nutritional information should be posted on restaurant menus. Forty-four percent are in favor of government entities stepping in and forcing restaurants to do it if they choose not to on their own.
While some restaurants may have concerns about offering information that may cause consumers to alter their menu choices or, worse yet, go to eat someplace else, the reality suggests delivering bad nutritional news is not going to change much in the way of behavior.
Mintel found that 60 percent of restaurant customers are looking, first and foremost, for dishes that taste good. Only 23 percent are taking the health first approach.
Eric Giandelone, Mintel's director of foodservice research, told Nation's Restaurant News, that there are ways to get around unpleasant shocks that come with full disclosure on menus.
"There may be some initial consumer shock at the calorie counts and chains may have to start listing lower-calorie options or smaller portion sizes to help diffuse this unpleasant surprise," he said.
Discussion Questions: Why is it taking so long for restaurants to post calories and other information on menus when it's clear customers want the information? How would you propose getting around any menu shock that may come with the disclosure of nutritional information?