With menu labeling legislation now in place in three states as well as several large metropolitan areas, consumers are coming to expect calorie content information not only online but on store menu boards as well. A number of providers have created solutions to help quick-service operators get this information out in a timely, accurate manner.
Some, like Walsh Nutrition Group, provide nutrient-analysis services to determine the required nutritional information. Using state-of-the-art software, the company provides the analysis needed to allow QSRs not only to post the required information but also market their content disclosure and menus.
While some municipalities and state governments require calorie and nutritional postings, providing the information in-store and online allows operators to accomplish several goals, such as:
- Provide nutrient content claims, including carbohydrate choices and exchanges
- Market menus using nutrient content claims
- Disclose nutrition information on menus as well as magazines and other publications
- Create camera-ready and FDA compliant labels for products
- Increase establishment's appeal to health-conscious consumers by making nutritional information available and/or highlighting healthy options
"Walsh Nutrition Group can help make your restaurant proactive rather than reactive when it comes to nutrition," said Laura Walsh, RD, LDN, president and founder of the Walsh Nutrition Group. "Many in the restaurant industry and the public health community agree that there should be a national requirement for menu labeling so it is a matter of when, not if, in regard to this issue."
Online consumer calculator
A number of QSRs already provide nutritional information for their standard menu items either online or on in-store publications. Yet restaurants that allow "create-your-own" menu items, such as salads, burritos, pizzas, pastas or salads, face a separate challenge.
FoodCalc has developed its exclusive Nutrition Calculator for restaurants with such a platform. The Web-based nutrition analysis is part of FoodCalc's MenuCalc offering, which determines recipe nutrition profiles for restaurants and culinary professionals.
The Nutrition Calculator enables consumers to design menu items to suit their dietary needs and taste preferences before heading to the restaurant. It also is ideal for restaurants with pre-set menu items, since it allows diners to "build-a meal" or combine snack-size times, sandwiches and desserts to determine the exact number of calories consumed.
Using nutritional information provided by the restaurant, the FoodCalc staff creates a highly customized Nutrition Calculator that reflects the look and feel of each individual restaurant Web site. The calculator operates with an unlimited number of ingredients, and it displays up to 15 nutrient values including calories, fat, sodium, fiber, carbohydrates, sugars, and so on.
"The Nutrition Calculator is a unique, innovative nutrition analysis tool that helps restaurants to clearly distinguish themselves from their competition and increase customer loyalty in a challenging economy," said FoodCalc president and CEO Lucy Needham. "There are no hassles with complicated software, network and R&D issues, and since we host each restaurant's individual calculator on our server, we are able to manage all technical and administrative issues in-house."
Read also, Culver's offers online meal nutrition calculator.
