Many restaurants these days are offering healthier menu choices in response to consumer feedback. Restaurant patrons want to enjoy their dining experience, knowing they aren't blowing their calorie budget for the day. Applebee's offers their Weight Watchers menu, Ruby Tuesdays has "Smart Eating Choices" and even Wendy's offers suggestions of how to make your meals more nutritious. But are people taking advantage of these options? A new study says maybe not. A recent study from Mintel International says the majority of diners make menu selections based on taste and hunger, not based on nutritional value. Here are some highlights from the survey: • 77% of participants chose foods based on taste • 44% chose foods based on hunger satisfaction • 20% chose foods based on nutritional value In another study by the same group, 77% of respondents said they wanted to see more nutritious options on restaurant menus. It seems like what people say they want, and what they actually end up choosing are two different things. Is that because the healthy menu options don't taste good? Is it because the variety is too limited? One reason many respondents said they didn't choose based on nutritional value is because eating healthier costs more. When I dine out, I always check the "healthy options" section of the menu first to see what's available. Typically, I don't notice that those foods are more expensive than anything else on the menu. If I don't pick them, it's usually because they don't appeal to me. I'm sure many people walk through the restaurant door with great intentions. "I'm going to make healthy choices today and not stray from the plan." But then you sit down and the server gives you a copy of the dessert menu. You see a picture of their bowl of ooey- gooey chocolate heaven, and that plan goes right out the window. Would you like to see restaurants offer more healthy options? When those options are available, do you eat them? If not, why? |
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