McD's showing calories?

jonbey · 05-09-2011, 13:52

Has anyone seen this yet? Apparently MaccieD's are going to start showing how many calories is in every they serve. Will be interesting to see if it makes a difference. A governement health dept idea.

News article: McDonalds Start Displaying Calories on Menu Boards in the UK

whackyracer · 05-09-2011, 13:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by jonbey

Has anyone seen this yet? Apparently MaccieD's are going to start showing how many calories is in every they serve. Will be interesting to see if it makes a difference. A governement health dept idea.

News article: McDonalds Start Displaying Calories on Menu Boards in the UK

it's already on the fries and burger wrappers?

plus they have all the nutritional info on their website anyway.

RAINBOWGIRL22 · 05-09-2011, 14:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by whackyracer

it's already on the fries and burger wrappers?

plus they have all the nutritional info on their website anyway.

I said this to my OH this morning but as he pointed out when you have the Big Mac in your hands what can you do other than eat it or waste it?

Maybe having the info on display in store will encourage a small percent of people to opt for something a little healthier.

Although of course if you want something healthy you do not go to Maccy D's do you?

c4rv · 05-09-2011, 15:32

all the information is already on their website and various dieting websites.

I am 99.9999% don't care. Nobody is going to change their order because of this. In fact McD can be healthy depending on what you choose. And as with all food, there is nothing wrong with it once in a while.

The worst takeaway by far is pizza anyway.

Swinetown · 05-09-2011, 15:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by c4rv

all the information is already on their website and various dieting websites.

I am 99.9999% don't care. Nobody is going to change their order because of this. In fact McD can be healthy depending on what you choose. And as with all food, there is nothing wrong with it once in a while.

The worst takeaway by far is pizza anyway.

'Healthy depending on what you choose' ..........haha.....Thanks for giving me a laugh.

Libertarian · 05-09-2011, 15:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by c4rv

all the information is already on their website and various dieting websites.

I am 99.9999% don't care. Nobody is going to change their order because of this. In fact McD can be healthy depending on what you choose. And as with all food, there is nothing wrong with it once in a while.

The worst takeaway by far is pizza anyway.

Quite right. Watch Fat Head: The Movie and you'll see that it's not the calories that count, it's where they come from. Ditch the buns and carby sauces and McD is perfectly healthy now and again.

degsyhufc · 05-09-2011, 16:29

There was a calorie report on the C4 Food program last year where they were asking the popular chains about why they didn't print the calories or government guidelines (traffic lights etc) on their menus.
Some of the chains said it was because they used their own system. Some said they would phase it in.

Dominos came out the worst in the calorie count. I think Subway was second.

KaffeeundKuchen · 05-09-2011, 16:36

McDonald's has had the calories on the wrappers for YONKS! Don't know if it's done any good though. I normally read the amount and am disgusted with myself for all of two seconds, then it's back to eating. At least the veggie burger has less calories

BrunoStreete · 05-09-2011, 17:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by KaffeeundKuchen

McDonald's has had the calories on the wrappers for YONKS! Don't know if it's done any good though. I normally read the amount and am disgusted with myself for all of two seconds, then it's back to eating. At least the veggie burger has less calories

This is on the menu though, not on the wrappers. Plus there are lots of chains doing it.

Sweet FA · 05-09-2011, 18:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by whackyracer

it's already on the fries and burger wrappers?

plus they have all the nutritional info on their website anyway.

That's not the same as having the info at point of order/sale where it can influence choices.

Data, as with all forms of advertising, will have some effect, even if subliminal...

whackyracer · 05-09-2011, 18:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sweet FA

That's not the same as having the info at point of order/sale where it can influence choices.

Data, as with all forms of advertising, will have some effect, even if subliminal...

The sort of people that will be interested in the cals will look beforehand on their website. The big fat troughers couldn't care less so they won't bother reading any in store info, or if they do, altering their choice as a result

Sweet FA · 05-09-2011, 18:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by whackyracer

The sort of people that will be interested in the cals will look beforehand on their website. The big fat troughers couldn't care less so they won't bother reading any in store info, or if they do, altering their choice as a result

I doubt anyone researches the Internet before ordering a McDonalds. If I'm watching my weight but fancy a McD, I'd quite like to be able to make an informed choice between alternatives and pretty sure others would too,,,

whackyracer · 05-09-2011, 18:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sweet FA

I doubt anyone researches the Internet before ordering a McDonalds. If I'm watching my weight but fancy a McD, I'd quite like to be able to make an informed choice between alternatives and pretty sure others would too,,,

They probably do if they are on weight watchers for example and need to work out how many points are in the food if they are having a weekly treat. Sometimes I check websitea for things like costa if I know I'm going to be going there as some of things that are touted as healthy, such a low fat muffins, are anything but.

Sweet FA · 05-09-2011, 19:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by whackyracer

They probably do if they are on weight watchers for example and need to work out how many points are in the food if they are having a weekly treat. Sometimes I check websitea for things like costa if I know I'm going to be going there as some of things that are touted as healthy, such a low fat muffins, are anything but.

Well now you won't have to with the info instore & at point of sale...which is a good thing - right?

whackyracer · 05-09-2011, 19:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sweet FA

Well now you won't have to with the info instore & at point of sale...which is a good thing - right?

I don't think people will want to whip out their weight watchers calculators in the middle of mcd's!

BrunoStreete · 05-09-2011, 19:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by whackyracer

The sort of people that will be interested in the cals will look beforehand on their website. The big fat troughers couldn't care less so they won't bother reading any in store info, or if they do, altering their choice as a result

I'm not sure how much use it will be for McDonalds, but certainly Wetherspoons who are also doing it would be helpful.

jonbey · 05-09-2011, 23:00

Yeah, I really think that they only way to make a real difference is to go the way tobacco advertising has gone - on each advert in the shop it should say "OBESITY KILLS!". But they will never do that!, the government does not have the balls to tackle the food industry.

MTUK1 · 05-09-2011, 23:01

They already do this in all food outlets in New York. I think it's a good idea, although most people will not take a blind bit of notice.

PhoenixRises · 05-09-2011, 23:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by RAINBOWGIRL22

I said this to my OH this morning but as he pointed out when you have the Big Mac in your hands what can you do other than eat it or waste it?

Maybe having the info on display in store will encourage a small percent of people to opt for something a little healthier.

Although of course if you want something healthy you do not go to Maccy D's do you?

But once you the calorie content know you know not to have it again if the calorie content is not to your liking. And the one won't kill you.

I don't think it will make a difference where they display their calorie counts (if it is one the menu bored then it will be all confused as they tend to display pictures with prices stuck in random places) because if you are eating in McDonald's you are not likely to be counting the calories anyway surely?

BrunoStreete · 06-09-2011, 07:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by MTUK1

They already do this in all food outlets in New York. I think it's a good idea, although most people will not take a blind bit of notice.

All food outlets or just chains? For chains it is practical, for independent restaurants it would be ridiculous.

RAINBOWGIRL22 · 06-09-2011, 09:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by PhoenixRises

But once you the calorie content know you know not to have it again if the calorie content is not to your liking. And the one won't kill you.

I don't think it will make a difference where they display their calorie counts (if it is one the menu bored then it will be all confused as they tend to display pictures with prices stuck in random places) because if you are eating in McDonald's you are not likely to be counting the calories anyway surely?

I think that if you are in Maccy D's you most likley aren't thinking too much about healthy eating

BUT I do think there is some method in the madness because displaying calorific information may be the difference between *some* people going for a big Mac meal or a hambuger and small fries..

I am not suggesting it will put people off altogether BUT it will certainly help some people make healthier choices.

I am currently watching what I eat and I look at the calorie content in lots of things - it is quite easy to choose a healthier alternative when I know what my options are

asyousay · 06-09-2011, 09:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by RAINBOWGIRL22

I think that if you are in Maccy D's you most likley aren't thinking too much about healthy eating

BUT I do think there is some method in the madness because displaying calorific information may be the difference between *some* people going for a big Mac meal or a hambuger and small fries..

I am not suggesting it will put people off altogether BUT it will certainly help some people make healthier choices.

I am currently watching what I eat and I look at the calorie content in lots of things - it is quite easy to choose a healthier alternative when I know what my options are

I agree.

For some people who get a big mac and large fries and a coke, if they realize that is basically the days calories then they may change their order slighty.

whackyracer · 06-09-2011, 12:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by asyousay

I agree.

For some people who get a big mac and large fries and a coke, if they realize that is basically the days calories then they may change their order slighty.

To a diet coke?

Swinetown · 06-09-2011, 12:44

Macdonalds really are rank!

Processed sh@te, you can't even call it food.

Teddybleads · 06-09-2011, 12:57

I like a Mc D's on occasion, though I always give the fries a good blotting with the paper serviettes as they serve them dripping in oil and salt.

I don't think the calorie thing will make a huge difference but it's a start I suppose. I'd like to see the salt levels clearly marked too.

05-09-2011, 13:52	#1
jonbey Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Essex Posts: 141	McD's showing calories? Has anyone seen this yet? Apparently MaccieD's are going to start showing how many calories is in every they serve. Will be interesting to see if it makes a difference. A governement health dept idea. News article: McDonalds Start Displaying Calories on Menu Boards in the UK

05-09-2011, 13:54	#2
whackyracer Guest Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 13,792	Quote: Originally Posted by jonbey Has anyone seen this yet? Apparently MaccieD's are going to start showing how many calories is in every they serve. Will be interesting to see if it makes a difference. A governement health dept idea. News article: McDonalds Start Displaying Calories on Menu Boards in the UK it's already on the fries and burger wrappers? plus they have all the nutritional info on their website anyway.

05-09-2011, 14:37	#3
RAINBOWGIRL22 Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: London Posts: 23,261	Quote: Originally Posted by whackyracer it's already on the fries and burger wrappers? plus they have all the nutritional info on their website anyway. I said this to my OH this morning but as he pointed out when you have the Big Mac in your hands what can you do other than eat it or waste it? Maybe having the info on display in store will encourage a small percent of people to opt for something a little healthier. Although of course if you want something healthy you do not go to Maccy D's do you?

05-09-2011, 15:32	#4
c4rv Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Essex Posts: 16,218	all the information is already on their website and various dieting websites. I am 99.9999% don't care. Nobody is going to change their order because of this. In fact McD can be healthy depending on what you choose. And as with all food, there is nothing wrong with it once in a while. The worst takeaway by far is pizza anyway.

05-09-2011, 15:42	#5
Swinetown Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Posts: 3,559	Quote: Originally Posted by c4rv all the information is already on their website and various dieting websites. I am 99.9999% don't care. Nobody is going to change their order because of this. In fact McD can be healthy depending on what you choose. And as with all food, there is nothing wrong with it once in a while. The worst takeaway by far is pizza anyway. 'Healthy depending on what you choose' ..........haha.....Thanks for giving me a laugh.

05-09-2011, 15:45	#6
Libertarian Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Posts: 252	Quote: Originally Posted by c4rv all the information is already on their website and various dieting websites. I am 99.9999% don't care. Nobody is going to change their order because of this. In fact McD can be healthy depending on what you choose. And as with all food, there is nothing wrong with it once in a while. The worst takeaway by far is pizza anyway. Quite right. Watch Fat Head: The Movie and you'll see that it's not the calories that count, it's where they come from. Ditch the buns and carby sauces and McD is perfectly healthy now and again.

05-09-2011, 16:29	#7
degsyhufc Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Up North Posts: 58,791	There was a calorie report on the C4 Food program last year where they were asking the popular chains about why they didn't print the calories or government guidelines (traffic lights etc) on their menus. Some of the chains said it was because they used their own system. Some said they would phase it in. Dominos came out the worst in the calorie count. I think Subway was second.

05-09-2011, 16:36	#8
KaffeeundKuchen Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Posts: 71	McDonald's has had the calories on the wrappers for YONKS! Don't know if it's done any good though. I normally read the amount and am disgusted with myself for all of two seconds, then it's back to eating. At least the veggie burger has less calories

05-09-2011, 17:54	#9
BrunoStreete Inactive Member Join Date: May 2011 Posts: 7,071	Quote: Originally Posted by KaffeeundKuchen McDonald's has had the calories on the wrappers for YONKS! Don't know if it's done any good though. I normally read the amount and am disgusted with myself for all of two seconds, then it's back to eating. At least the veggie burger has less calories This is on the menu though, not on the wrappers. Plus there are lots of chains doing it.

05-09-2011, 18:06	#10
Sweet FA Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: In my Opinion Posts: 10,057	Quote: Originally Posted by whackyracer it's already on the fries and burger wrappers? plus they have all the nutritional info on their website anyway. That's not the same as having the info at point of order/sale where it can influence choices. Data, as with all forms of advertising, will have some effect, even if subliminal...

05-09-2011, 18:17	#11
whackyracer Guest Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 13,792	Quote: Originally Posted by Sweet FA That's not the same as having the info at point of order/sale where it can influence choices. Data, as with all forms of advertising, will have some effect, even if subliminal... The sort of people that will be interested in the cals will look beforehand on their website. The big fat troughers couldn't care less so they won't bother reading any in store info, or if they do, altering their choice as a result

05-09-2011, 18:49	#12
Sweet FA Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: In my Opinion Posts: 10,057	Quote: Originally Posted by whackyracer The sort of people that will be interested in the cals will look beforehand on their website. The big fat troughers couldn't care less so they won't bother reading any in store info, or if they do, altering their choice as a result I doubt anyone researches the Internet before ordering a McDonalds. If I'm watching my weight but fancy a McD, I'd quite like to be able to make an informed choice between alternatives and pretty sure others would too,,,

05-09-2011, 18:56	#13
whackyracer Guest Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 13,792	Quote: Originally Posted by Sweet FA I doubt anyone researches the Internet before ordering a McDonalds. If I'm watching my weight but fancy a McD, I'd quite like to be able to make an informed choice between alternatives and pretty sure others would too,,, They probably do if they are on weight watchers for example and need to work out how many points are in the food if they are having a weekly treat. Sometimes I check websitea for things like costa if I know I'm going to be going there as some of things that are touted as healthy, such a low fat muffins, are anything but.

05-09-2011, 19:08	#14
Sweet FA Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: In my Opinion Posts: 10,057	Quote: Originally Posted by whackyracer They probably do if they are on weight watchers for example and need to work out how many points are in the food if they are having a weekly treat. Sometimes I check websitea for things like costa if I know I'm going to be going there as some of things that are touted as healthy, such a low fat muffins, are anything but. Well now you won't have to with the info instore & at point of sale...which is a good thing - right?

05-09-2011, 19:33	#15
whackyracer Guest Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 13,792	Quote: Originally Posted by Sweet FA Well now you won't have to with the info instore & at point of sale...which is a good thing - right? I don't think people will want to whip out their weight watchers calculators in the middle of mcd's!

05-09-2011, 19:34	#16
BrunoStreete Inactive Member Join Date: May 2011 Posts: 7,071	Quote: Originally Posted by whackyracer The sort of people that will be interested in the cals will look beforehand on their website. The big fat troughers couldn't care less so they won't bother reading any in store info, or if they do, altering their choice as a result I'm not sure how much use it will be for McDonalds, but certainly Wetherspoons who are also doing it would be helpful.

05-09-2011, 23:00	#17
jonbey Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Essex Posts: 141	Yeah, I really think that they only way to make a real difference is to go the way tobacco advertising has gone - on each advert in the shop it should say "OBESITY KILLS!". But they will never do that!, the government does not have the balls to tackle the food industry.

05-09-2011, 23:01	#18
MTUK1 Inactive Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: London, United Kingdom Posts: 19,783	They already do this in all food outlets in New York. I think it's a good idea, although most people will not take a blind bit of notice.

05-09-2011, 23:28	#19
PhoenixRises Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Posts: 2,563	Quote: Originally Posted by RAINBOWGIRL22 I said this to my OH this morning but as he pointed out when you have the Big Mac in your hands what can you do other than eat it or waste it? Maybe having the info on display in store will encourage a small percent of people to opt for something a little healthier. Although of course if you want something healthy you do not go to Maccy D's do you? But once you the calorie content know you know not to have it again if the calorie content is not to your liking. And the one won't kill you. I don't think it will make a difference where they display their calorie counts (if it is one the menu bored then it will be all confused as they tend to display pictures with prices stuck in random places) because if you are eating in McDonald's you are not likely to be counting the calories anyway surely?

06-09-2011, 07:38	#20
BrunoStreete Inactive Member Join Date: May 2011 Posts: 7,071	Quote: Originally Posted by MTUK1 They already do this in all food outlets in New York. I think it's a good idea, although most people will not take a blind bit of notice. All food outlets or just chains? For chains it is practical, for independent restaurants it would be ridiculous.

06-09-2011, 09:00	#21
RAINBOWGIRL22 Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: London Posts: 23,261	Quote: Originally Posted by PhoenixRises But once you the calorie content know you know not to have it again if the calorie content is not to your liking. And the one won't kill you. I don't think it will make a difference where they display their calorie counts (if it is one the menu bored then it will be all confused as they tend to display pictures with prices stuck in random places) because if you are eating in McDonald's you are not likely to be counting the calories anyway surely? I think that if you are in Maccy D's you most likley aren't thinking too much about healthy eating BUT I do think there is some method in the madness because displaying calorific information may be the difference between some people going for a big Mac meal or a hambuger and small fries.. I am not suggesting it will put people off altogether BUT it will certainly help some people make healthier choices. I am currently watching what I eat and I look at the calorie content in lots of things - it is quite easy to choose a healthier alternative when I know what my options are

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McD's showing calories?

06-09-2011, 09:02	#22
asyousay Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: London Posts: 35,635	Quote: Originally Posted by RAINBOWGIRL22 I think that if you are in Maccy D's you most likley aren't thinking too much about healthy eating BUT I do think there is some method in the madness because displaying calorific information may be the difference between some people going for a big Mac meal or a hambuger and small fries.. I am not suggesting it will put people off altogether BUT it will certainly help some people make healthier choices. I am currently watching what I eat and I look at the calorie content in lots of things - it is quite easy to choose a healthier alternative when I know what my options are I agree. For some people who get a big mac and large fries and a coke, if they realize that is basically the days calories then they may change their order slighty.

06-09-2011, 12:40	#23
whackyracer Guest Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 13,792	Quote: Originally Posted by asyousay I agree. For some people who get a big mac and large fries and a coke, if they realize that is basically the days calories then they may change their order slighty. To a diet coke?

06-09-2011, 12:44	#24
Swinetown Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Posts: 3,559	Macdonalds really are rank! Processed sh@te, you can't even call it food.

06-09-2011, 12:57	#25
Teddybleads Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Posts: 6,118	I like a Mc D's on occasion, though I always give the fries a good blotting with the paper serviettes as they serve them dripping in oil and salt. I don't think the calorie thing will make a huge difference but it's a start I suppose. I'd like to see the salt levels clearly marked too.