Restaurant Calorie Info Can Affect Consumer Choices

People often find that one of the most difficult things about staying in shape and controlling their health insurance costs is maintaining a proper diet in an era when they are surrounded by seemingly countless dubious eating options.

With that in mind, researchers at Stanford University have determined that when restaurants post calories on their menu boards, consumers are more likely to respond to the information. According to the recently unveiled study, patrons at Starbucks averaged a 6 percent reduction in calories per transaction when they ordered food items.

The study found that the results were due to a mix of people buying fewer items and to a lesser extent, choosing lower-calorie options. The company's revenues were not said to have been affected by the trend.

This may be due to the trend researchers noted where there was no change when it came to the coffee that people ordered.

This can be a double-edged sword from a health perspective, since espresso and other traditional drinks offer little in the way of fat and calories. However, other coffee shop beverages have made news in recent years because the large amounts of whipped cream and other ingredients they feature can add up to hundreds of added calories.

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