If all restaurants had nutrition information listed, it would definitely make life easier for those with health conditions that require dietary restrictions. It would also boost profits for the establishments themselves. This article will review the benefits for customers and restaurant owners; it will also offer some suggestions for the implementation of nutritional information at all establishments.
You can never be too careful with your health. Those who have to follow certain dietary guidelines often find it hard to know what the best items on the menu are for their specific situation. If the calorie, carbohydrate, gluten, and fat content were listed on the menu it would make the whole experience more enjoyable.
The diabetic, or a person with high cholesterol, would probably frequent a restaurant more often if they knew there time would be taken up enjoying the meal, instead of worrying what effect the food would have on their health. Someone with gluten intolerance is in even more jeopardy when eating out. They can have severe reactions to certain foods. All of these customers would be more apt to choose your restaurant if you provided information they needed. Happy customers make repeat customers, so this would be a win-win situation.
Dieters would also benefit from the addition of nutrition information on menus. There are millions of people on diets in the United States. Whether it is a low fat, low calorie, or low carbohydrate diet, each person is counting something. Make it easier for them, and they will remember your restaurant the next time they go out.
If cost is a factor in placing the information on each menu, the establishment could make up a few sheets with nutrition facts on them, and give them to customers that request the information, or put up a large poster. Another way to offset cost would be putting ads for the printing company on the menus. Letting doctor’s in the neighborhood know that you have the information available would be a good idea also. They could then pass the information on to their patients; sending more business the restaurants way.
An outcome that is good for customers and the establishment should be the ultimate goal. The benefits of placing nutrition information in restaurants outweigh the cost involved in printing the material. Customers who believe the establishment actually cares about them and their health will show their appreciation with more visits. They will also tell others, therefore bringing in even more business for the restaurant. Inspired business owners will see this and make the change.