Although independent operations are not required to post nutritionals (yet), it might make good business sense to rise to the challenge.
Calorie counts on menus may soon be commonplace. In Ontario, legislation has been put forward that would require restaurants with five units or more (or restaurants with $5 million annual sales) to post nutritional information on their menus. Bill 90, "Healthy Decisions for Healthy Eating Act," was introduced in June 2010 with the next vote pending (expected some time this year). Other provinces may follow. Nutritional labelling became mandatory for all prepackaged foods in 2007, increasing awareness among consumers about nutritionals. And with press coverage growing (The Vancouver Sun, for instance, published a multi-part series looking at the practicality and impact of menu labelling.), diners are getting in on the conversation.
Certainly, rules are changing south of the border. In the United States, the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, signed into law March 23, 2010, includes a provision requiring restaurant chains with 20 units or more to print calories on menus, menu boards and merchandising materials. Although a date for compliance has not yet been set, some chains are already responding—and all will eventually need to comply.
Why should independent operators care? Both the U.S. legislation and pending Ontario legislation represent a tectonic shift in the industry, ushering in an era of enlightened diners who will expect nutritional information when dining out. If they know how many calories are in a burger at their favourite local chain, chances are they'll expect that information at their favourite mom and pop.
Four Steps to Help Implement Menu Labelling
Standardize your recipes with precise measurements, ingredient listing and plate specifications.
Hire a registered dietitian or other qualified nutrition professional to analyze nutritional information in your standardized recipes.
Train staff to follow recipe specifications accurately.
Put in place a system for maintaining and updating recipe data. Even small modifications to a recipe can significantly impact nutritionals. Appoint a staff member to be responsible for keeping track of changes and revamping data when needed.
How Philadelphia Light Cream Cheese Spread Can Help
Diners won't compromise on flavour. In its Healthy Dining Trends Report (May 2010), Mintel contextualizes the data it compiled with this statement, "But, getting people to eat healthier requires more than adding healthy options to the menu or posting calories. Restaurants must go the distance to prove health can taste good, too." With 44% less fat than regular cream cheese, but still featuring the rich and creamy flavour of Philly, Philadelphia Light Cream Cheese Spread offers a great solution.
Our chefs have developed recipes that deliver the great flavour of Philly with the lower-fat profile of Philadelphia Light Cream Cheese Spread.
Rustic Potato-Leek Soup
Our chefs deepen this classic winter-warming soup with a creamy infusion of Phildaelphia Light Cream Cheese Spread. They also build flavour by roasting the potato and leeks and brushing the vegetables with Kraft Calorie-Wise Zesty Italian Dressing.
Sautéed Chicken Breasts with Cream Cheese-Pesto Sauce
Here, Philadelphia Light Cream Cheese Spread thickens the sauce, but with less calories and fat than heavy cream, the classic choice for a cream sauce. With a simple plus two of pesto and 25%-less-sodium chicken stock, the light cream cheese becomes a luscious, vibrant sauce.
Salmon with Creamy Dill Sauce
Here, our chefs make a creamy sauce with Philadelphia Light Cream Cheese Spread embellished with cucumber and dill, offering a fresh take on a perennial favourite.
Lemon-Kissed Fettuccine Alfredo
A better-for-you take on the beloved alfredo, our chefs rely on Philadelphia Light Cream Cheese Spread for its creaminess as well as its lower-fat profile. They build the sauce with 25%-less-sodium chicken stock, the lower-fat cream cheese, Kraft 100% Parmesan Grated Cheese, nutmeg and lemon juice.
According to a 2009 Ipsos Reid poll conducted on behalf of Dietitians of Canada, 68% of consumers, to improve their fitness levels, have changed their eating habits in the last year.
Other Ways to Adjust Your Menu
Low-Calorie Beverages Poised to Take Spotlight
Recently, the American Beverage Association launched its "Clear on Calories" initiative, which pledges to put calorie counts on the front of soda containers, soda fountains and vending machines by 2012. With consumers' growing awareness of what's in their beverages, offering them low-calorie, refreshing options might just catch their discerning eye.
Further reading on "Clear on Calories" here.