Calorie Count Accuracy on Restaurant Menus

Here is a scientific study from the Journal of the American Medical Association. It examined how accurate the calorie listings were on restaurant menus.

Generally speaking, many of the lowest calorie selections had 100 calories more than isted, and many of the super high calorie items were actually lower than listed.

Just remember that portion sizes can vary quite a bit, depending on who's plopping it on your plate, and that can make a big difference.

http://jama.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=1104116

Interesting. I never thought that much about the calorie counters for restaurants.

I read an article not that long ago that said menu calorie counts do not influence the majority of diners. People will choose their favorite dishes, regardless of the calorie count.

I am not one of those. I definitely am influenced by the numbers listed. Bummer that so many are wrong.

At least the numbers get you in the ballpark. Looking at something like chips and salsa. It's a side item. It has more calories and less protein than a fit bowl at taco time. Also is anytator tot worth 400 calories..again more than my meal.

I've seen a couple of studies that say the same thing. I'm sure most people will ignore the calorie numbers. 5 years ago, I would have. But for those that want to pay attention, it's great to have it available.

I'm also glad they slowly close loopholes. Movie theaters were previously exempt from posting calorie counts, but under the newest round of changes, they have to.

The ones that get me are the salads. Applebees has 2 salads that have as many calories as THREE quarter pounders with cheese from McDonalds.

that oriental chicken salad got me good pre wls

Before they told us the calorie count I always ordered Oriental Chicken salad thinking I was being so good.

That's why having the numbers right on the menu can really help.

It can be eye opening. I was eating twice as many calories in fries as I was in burgers.

Oh you sillies food from restaurants or any food you don't personally cook has no calories in it! You know that!!

LOL

Just like broken cookies.  The crumbles reduce the calorie count to nearly zero!