In April 2022, new legislation came into force in the UK, requiring businesses, including cafes, restaurants and takeaways with more than 250 employees to display calorie information on menus and food labels.
Calorie information is now required to be displayed on menus or elsewhere at the point of sale, along with daily recommended calorie needs. The legislation aims to help people make more informed choices when eating out, and to encourage businesses to provide lower calorie options for their customers.
Over the last two years, we have seen food businesses adapt to the new legislation. Many have reported that while customers are broadly positive about the guidelines, they often still want to enjoy the same types of dishes as before, choosing to balance potentially higher calories dishes when they eat out with lower calorie ones for the rest of the day. Some have seen more people opting for, and requesting lower calorie dishes, and are adapting their menus to cater to increased customer demand.
We always consider calories when creating dishes, and work with customers to reduce calories where there is a demand by considering specific ingredients, cooking methods and portion sizes. Clear and simple reporting makes it easier for our clients, and their customers to make the right choice for them.
Calorie labling is one of many legislations and guidelines that venues must consider when it comes to planning their dishes, including salt and sugar levels. Sometimes focusing on reducing one can have knock on effects for others, so businesses must consider the full nutritional make up of dishes rather than specific individual levels.
Consumers are being influenced by various considerations, from government legislation to food trends and individual needs. We always work closely with our clients and consider as many of these as possible to create well balanced and rounded menus that really work for customers.