NYC analyzing impact of menu labeling on coffee purchases

New York City's health department is conducting a study to determine if consumer ordering habits have changed now that restaurant chains are required to post calorie information, according to The New York Times City Room blog.

A recently released study of ordering habits at 115 of the city's Starbucks and Dunkin' Donuts stores during 2007 found that approximately two-thirds of purchases at Starbucks and one-fourth of purchases at Dunkin' Donuts were blended coffee beverages. The average blended drink had 239 calories. The average cup of coffee had 63 calories.

The new study, according to the City Room blog, will help health officials see if the calorie postings increase consumer awareness and lead to lower-calorie drink purchases.