This past month I spent some quality time in 7 airports in 4 different states and 3 countries. All were vastly different in regard to food offered, food availability and prices. I learned that food is a complete afterthought in Milian, Italy (more on that in another blog), the Denver airport is so clean you can eat off the floors, and in JFK you’ll end up sitting on the floor (which by the way is far from clean).
But something else stood out at JFK (besides the $4 bottles of water) – the menus in all chains contained the calorie information for all items not packaged. So as I waited in line at Starbucks I wondered if people chose the 1o0 calorie tall skim cafe latte or opted for a 380-calorie Grande Pumpkin Spice Latte instead. Do New Yorkers and those out-of-town visitors see the calorie information? If so, does this influence their choice or do they choose to ignore it? It’s an experiment in human behavior and as I looked around I wasn’t sure it was working.
But, according to survey data released by the Dept. of Health and Mental Hygiene it does make a difference. This survey examined 10,000 customers at 275 locations in 2007 and 12,000 this year and found 56% of consumers saw the calorie information (how could any miss it?) and overall the posted nutrition information does have an impact and alters behavior in many who choose to see it.
Personally, I like the posted calorie information because it offers full disclosure to consumers. Now you really know your options and it’s your choice – the 500 calorie salad or a 1,200 calorie loaded sandwich.