How to Watch Calorie Counts When You Eat Out

Consumer Reports has no relationship with any advertisers on this website.

Friday was the day new calorie-labeling rules were due to go into effect across the U.S. But the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has decided to postpone the requirement that restaurant chains with 20 or more locations clearly post calorie information on menus and displays for most items they offer.

This means if you were hoping to learn the calorie count for the pepperoni pizza on the menu at your town's pizzeria, you might be out of luck.

Earlier this week, the FDA announced that it will hold off on implementing this rule until May 7, 2018. The agency's action was primarily driven by pressure from pizza delivery chains such as Domino’s Pizza and trade groups representing convenience stores and independent grocers, according to Chuck Bell, programs director for Consumers Union, the policy and mobilization arm of Consumer Reports.

Here’s what you need to know about how the FDA’s decision will affect you, and what you can do right now to make healthy choices when eating out. 

The Issues Around Calorie Counts

This federal rule, voted into law as part of the Affordable Care Act in 2010, calls for calorie-labeling for meals, snacks, and in some cases, alcohol, in big chains across the U.S.

That includes sit-down and fast-food restaurants, amusement parks, bakeries, coffee shops, delis, drive-throughs, grocery stores, ice cream stores, movie theaters, take-out and delivery chains, and self-serve buffets.

Last month, the National Grocers Association and NACS—the Association for Convenience & Fuel Retailing—filed a petition with the FDA, seeking a delay. They say the regulation would burden foodsellers financially and needs to be reevaluated.

“Implementation of this regulation represents one of the costliest regulations for the supermarket industry with estimates exceeding $1 billion for our industry alone,” Greg Ferrara, a spokesman for the National Grocers Association, wrote in an email.

A representative from Domino's Pizza notes that the chain already provides calorie information where it’s most appropriate for their customers.

“We do have the information online, which is what we've been fighting for, as 90 percent of our orders come from outside the stores,” Tim McIntyre, a spokesperson for Domino’s Pizza, wrote in an email.

On the flip side, the National Restaurant Association, an industry group representing restaurant businesses, is in favor of the labeling law. A number of chains support it as well.

“We strongly believe the national menu labeling regulation is an important and necessary step both for our industry and for the consumer,” a spokesperson for Dunkin’ Brands Group, which represents Baskin Robbins and Dunkin' Donuts, said in an email, “and one that is long overdue.”   

Bell calls the FDA delay an unfortunate setback. “Obesity and diabetes are at record highs in the country, and this would have been a very straightforward and low-cost measure to help consumers manage their own dietary habits and intake,” he says. “People have a right to compare their menu options side by side and make an informed decision.”

Where to Get Calorie Info Now

Even though the labeling rule is on hold for now, you can find calorie counts for some chains and in some areas.  

Certain states and cities, for example, such as California, New York City, Philadelphia, and Vermont, already have their own mandatory labeling laws.

In addition, some nationwide chains, such as Baskin Robbins, Carl’s Jr., Chick-fil-A, Dunkin' Donuts, Jamba Juice, McDonald’s, Panera Bread, Starbucks, and Subway voluntarily list calories on their in-store menus and menu boards. Representatives for 7-Eleven say they plan to start calorie-count labeling, but didn't specify when.

Many chains also offer calorie info online or have printed charts or lists of nutrition information on their premises. If you don't spot calorie counts on a menu board or menu, suggests Bell, ask for them.

To see how some items served by 11 national chains stack up in terms of calorie counts, check out the chart below (all information was gathered from the chains' websites):  

Keeping Calorie Counts Down

Whether you're visiting a chain or an independent eatery, take the following four steps to help keep calories in check when dining out.

Watch out for meal deals. All-you-can eat buffets and fast food combos provide bang for your buck, but the calories can add up quickly, notes the American Heart Association.

Make smart swaps. If you order a high-calorie entrée that’s paired with unhealthy sides, ask to make healthier substitutions, such as fruit or a salad instead of fries, or water instead of soda. “The idea isn’t to deprive yourself, but to balance out a less healthy entrée with a few healthier items on the side,” says Amy Keating, R.D., a Consumer Reports dietitian.

Avoid the cheesy, creamy, and saucy. Items with cheese or a heavy or creamy sauce are likely to be loaded with calories, fat, and sodium, says dietitian Maxine Siegel, R.D., head of the Consumer Reports food testing lab. Request sauces and dressings on the side, and use just a bit. And choose grilled over fried or breaded items.

Load up on veggies. The occasional deli meat sandwich or burger is fine, but processed and red meats shouldn’t be on your daily menu. Choose salads and other veggie-heavy meals as often as possible when eating at a chain. These will not only keep calorie (and sodium) counts down, says Siegel, but will help you get the recommended five to nine servings of fruits and vegetables a day.

More from Consumer Reports:
Top pick tires for 2016
Best used cars for $25,000 and less
7 best mattresses for couples

Copyright © 2006-2017 Consumer Reports, Inc.