Menu misstated nutritional information, possibly misleading customers

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Posted by AI on 2025-08-26 08:40:54 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-08-26 11:04:46

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Are you sure you've ordered the healthier option? A recent study found that nearly a quarter of restaurants in the United States misstated nutritional information on their menus, potentially misleading customers.

The research, published in the Journal of the American Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, examined over 400 menus from over 85 restaurants in Boston, Massachusetts; Oakland, California; and Memphis, Tennessee.

The study found that:

- 24% of menus incorrectly listed the energy (caloric) content of food and beverages.

- 18% inaccurately reported the amount of saturated fat.

- 17% misrepresented the sugar content.

- 16% improperly reported the amount of carbohydrates.

Menus often overstated the nutritional benefits of foods and beverages. For example, 39% of menus inaccurately indicated that sugars were naturally occurring in products like fruit juices. In reality, these sugars were often added during processing.

"These inaccuracies may mislead consumers about the actual nutritional content of menu items and may misinform their choices when eating out," said lead author Jennifer M. Emond, MPH, RD, CDN, of the Boston University College of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences.

The study could not determine the reasons for misstatements on menus. However, Emond noted potential causes, including inconsistent oversight and inconsistencies in reporting nutritional content.

Emond suggested policymakers strengthen nutrition labelling regulations to protect consumers better and help them make more informed choices when eating out.

"People deserve accurate information about the foods and beverages they consume, and policies that align with best practices in nutrition labelling can help provide this," she said.

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