Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Are all chain restaurants in New York state required to post calories on their menus and boards?
A. All restaurants and similar retail food establishments that are part of a chain with 20 or more locations are now required to post the number of calories contained in standard items on menus/menu boards. Additionally, businesses must also provide, upon request, written nutrition information for standard menu items on total calories, total fat, saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, sodium, total carbohydrates, sugars, fiber and protein.
Q. Where can I find calorie postings?
A. Calorie postings can be found on menu boards, printed menus, on restaurant's webpages, and drive-thru menu boards.
On menus, the posting can be found on the actual menu with the calories listed next to each menu item (similar size and font), or as an insert, appendix, supplemental menu or electronic kiosk at the table.
Any chain restaurant with a menu board is required to list the calorie next to each menu item (similar size and font).
Q. I'm not sure if I need more or less than 2,000 calories a day. Where can I find more information?
A. MyPlate has information to assist in planning for caloric needs as well as meal planning.
Q. How many calories should my snacks be?
A. Depending on your calorie needs per day, snacks should be around 100 calories.
Q. What if I am concerned about other nutrients in fast food meals, like sodium or fat. Does that information also have to be posted on the menus and menu boards?
A. Not currently. This information can often be found on a chain restaurant's website.
Q. Why is the target audience for iChoose® primarily women/moms?
A. Extensive research has shown moms are the primary decision makers in the majority of households.
The iChoose600®campaign is just one campaign or program out of many department initiatives that support healthy eating and lifestyle choices. There are ongoing efforts to also support dads, families and young adults.
Q. Will future iChoose® campaigns include men/dads?
A. It's possible that future campaigns may include dads. If you're a father or the father in your household is the primary food decision maker in the family, please consider taking this short survey
Q. iChoose® isn't helpful to me as someone with an eating disorder. What can you recommend?
A. As nutritionists, we understand how iChoose may not be a good fit for some people. iChoose600® isn't meant for all moms and women. Each woman has her own personal relationship with food. 600 calories or less meals are meant to provide a healthy eating reference. It's not meant to encourage a dieting mentality.
If you are concerned about your weight or think you may have an eating disorder, discuss your concerns with a health care provider. A Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RD/RDN) may be recommended to help you develop a lifestyle plan that fits your own personal needs. To search for a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist near you, enter your zip code at www.eatright.org/find-an-expert or find an expert at www.aedweb.org/network/members/advanced-search.