Recommended Citation:
Spicciati, A. (2010). Out of Control: Restaurant Entrées and Daily Values. Retrieved from www.poundsoffplayoff.com/p/restaurant-study.html
Abstract
Entrées from 25 of the largest restaurant chains in America were examined for calories, saturated fat, and sodium content and compared to Food and Drug Administration recommendations for daily intake. Of the 1381 entrées considered, 70% are within one-third of the FDA daily recommendation of 2000 calories, but only 42% are within one-third of the daily value of 20 grams of saturated fat, and a mere 23% fall within one-third of the limit of 2000mg of sodium. Recommendations include eliminating outrageously unhealthy menu items, making saturated fat and sodium counts available at the point of sale, and supporting consumers in making healthy choices when eating out.
Key Data
The following chart summarizes 1381 entrees from 25 of the largest restaurant chains in America. Each item has been classified by the percentage one day’s worth of calories, saturated fat, and sodium content.
Conclusion
The data examined in this study paint a desperate picture of the nutritional offerings of our nation’s largest restaurant chains. Only 17% of items fall within one-third of a day’s worth of calories, saturated fat, and sodium (meeting each standard). Even 17% is a rosy estimate, as many entrees are ordered with appetizers, sides, and caloric beverages. And while 2000 calories is commonly accepted, thresholds of 20 grams of daily saturated fat intake and 2400 milligrams of sodium intake are criticized by many as too permissive. In reality, it’s doubtful that even one in ten restaurant meals consumed in America fall within a rigorous definition of being healthy.
The greatest issue with restaurant food appears to be sodium. This may come as a surprise to many, as the popular emphasis has been on calories and fat. However, sodium commonly exceeds recommended allowances. Exactly half of the entrees at the top 25 restaurants contain at least half a day’s worth of sodium, including 11% that are a full day’s amount in one entrée.
Recommendations
1. Sodium counts in restaurant foods are OUT OF CONTROL and must be addressed.
2. Local and national leaders should treat extremely unhealthy restaurant food like the national crisis that it is.
3. Restaurants should be required to provide nutritional information and nutritious foods.
- Require all restaurants of sufficient size to make complete nutritional information available at the point of sale and on a web site.
- Offer supports and incentives for small restaurants to be able to offer nutritional information.
- Require restaurants to eliminate obscenely unhealthy portions.
4. Require nutritional information to be presented in context.
5. Mass media and schools should educate consumers.
6. Individuals should learn the “Rule of 7” (see “Rule of 7” tab above for more information)
Note: Information in this study is general in nature and the author is not a medical doctor. Consult a doctor or nutritionist before starting a diet or exercise plan.
Note: Information in this study is general in nature and the author is not a medical doctor. Consult a doctor or nutritionist before starting a diet or exercise plan.
