Are Restaurants Required to Show Calories on the Menu?

October 31, 2025 •

2 min read

According to the FDA, certain restaurants and food retailers are required to display calorie information for standard menu items. This mandate, however, applies only to specific types of businesses, leaving many smaller, independent restaurants exempt from displaying calorie counts on their menus.

Quick Summary

Menu labeling laws mandate calorie disclosures for standard items at chain restaurants with 20 or more locations in the US. These rules, enforced by the FDA, aim to help consumers make more informed dietary choices. It details which establishments must comply, exceptions, and the information required.

Key Points

Federal Mandate (U.S.): Chain restaurants with 20 or more locations must display calorie counts for standard menu items.
Exemptions: Smaller, independent restaurants are typically not required to label calories under the federal law.
Applicable Locations: The rule covers not only restaurants but also chain movie theaters, convenience stores, and grocery store prepared food sections.
Additional Information: Covered businesses must provide full nutritional details (fat, sodium, etc.) in writing upon a customer's request.
International Laws: Menu labeling laws vary internationally; for example, the UK has different employee-count thresholds for requirements.
Informed Consumers: The main goal of menu labeling is to help consumers make more informed and potentially healthier dietary choices.
Ongoing Evolution: Regulations are expanding to cover digital menus and third-party delivery apps to ensure consistent access to information.

The U.S. Federal Menu Labeling Mandate

In the United States, the federal government mandates menu labeling through the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Established as part of the Affordable Care Act, the rule became fully effective on May 7, 2018. This legislation aims to provide consumers with nutritional information for healthier dining choices. However, the requirements do not cover all food service businesses.

Which Businesses Are Covered?

The federal menu labeling rule applies to chain restaurants and similar retail food establishments with 20 or more locations operating under the same name and offering substantially the same menu items. For a detailed list of covered establishments and the specific information they must disclose, you can refer to {Link: PMC https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10755376/}.

The Debate Surrounding Calorie Labeling

Menu labeling has sparked debate regarding its potential effects on public health, consumer behavior, and the financial burden on businesses. {Link: PMC https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10755376/} provides a discussion on the pros and cons of calorie labeling, the landscape of state and local laws, and a comparison table of covered vs. exempt restaurants under the U.S. federal rule.

Global Perspectives on Menu Labeling

Menu labeling regulations vary internationally. For example, the United Kingdom implemented calorie labeling for large businesses (250+ employees) in 2022. Canada also has regional rules, such as in Ontario where it applies to chains with 20 or more locations. These examples show a global movement towards greater transparency in the food service sector.

The Ongoing Evolution of Menu Labeling

Consumer demand is driving further changes in the food industry. Some regulations now require information on other nutrients like sodium and sugar. With the growth of online ordering and delivery apps, regulations have adapted to ensure this information is accessible on digital platforms. This trend suggests that even smaller restaurants may face future pressure or regulations to provide more nutritional details.

Conclusion

Are restaurants required to show calories on the menu? The answer depends on the restaurant's size and location. Large chain establishments in the U.S. with 20 or more locations must follow federal FDA rules, ensuring transparency for a significant part of the market. However, smaller independent restaurants are generally exempt, although they might be subject to local mandates or choose to provide information voluntarily. {Link: PMC https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10755376/}.

For more information on the specific federal requirements, you can refer to the official FDA Menu Labeling page.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, not every restaurant is required to show calorie counts. The federal FDA rule in the U.S. applies to chain restaurants and similar food establishments with 20 or more locations operating under the same name.

The FDA's menu labeling rule requires covered establishments to display calorie information for standard menu items on menus and menu boards, provide a statement about daily caloric intake, and offer additional written nutritional information upon request.

Yes, under the federal rules, small and independent restaurants are generally exempt from the mandatory calorie labeling requirements because they do not meet the 20-location chain threshold.

Yes, for covered businesses, the menu labeling rules extend to online menus and third-party delivery apps to ensure the information is available to customers who order digitally.

Special menu items or limited-time offerings that are on the menu for less than 30 days per year are exempt from the calorie labeling requirements.

Studies have shown mixed results, with some suggesting a modest reduction in calories purchased at some chains, while other data shows little to no behavioral change in consumers.

Upon a customer's request, covered establishments must provide written information on total fat, saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, sodium, total carbohydrates, sugars, fiber, and protein.

Yes, international laws vary. For instance, the UK has regulations based on an employee count threshold, and other countries and regions have their own specific rules for food service businesses.