What Restaurants Have Calories on Their Menu? Navigating Menu Labeling Laws

October 31, 2025 •

2 min read

According to the FDA, over one-third of calories consumed by Americans are from food prepared away from home, which is why federal law now requires large restaurant chains to post calorie information. This makes it easier for consumers to find out what restaurants have calories on their menu, empowering more informed and healthful food choices.

Quick Summary

Many large US restaurant chains with 20 or more locations are required by federal law to display calorie counts on their menus. This requirement applies to quick-service, sit-down, and other establishments like coffee shops and bakeries, with additional nutrition information available on request.

Key Points

Federal Mandate: The FDA requires US restaurant chains with 20 or more locations to display calorie counts on menus and boards.
Wide Coverage: The law applies to many food service establishments, including fast-food, sit-down chains, movie theaters, and some grocery stores with prepared foods.
Online Resources: Many restaurants also provide detailed nutrition calculators on their websites or mobile apps for more comprehensive information.
Additional Info Available: Beyond calories, covered establishments must provide written information on nutrients like fat, sodium, and protein upon customer request.
Independent Exemptions: Smaller, independent restaurants are generally exempt from the federal labeling requirements, though some local laws may apply.
Enhanced Transparency: The law creates a more transparent dining environment, enabling consumers to make more informed dietary choices.
Consistent Data: Calorie counts from large chains are more consistent due to standardized recipes, unlike the potential variation at smaller eateries.

Understanding the Federal Menu Labeling Laws

The presence of calorie information on restaurant menus is not voluntary for many establishments due to a federal mandate. The FDA Menu Labeling Rule, in effect since May 2018, requires restaurants and similar retail food establishments to disclose calorie counts for standard menu items. The law aims to increase transparency and assist consumers in making more informed dietary choices when dining out.

Beyond calorie counts, covered establishments must also provide additional written nutrition information upon request. This regulation has led to calorie counts being displayed on menu boards, printed menus, and even self-service food displays across many locations.

Major Restaurant Chains With Calorie Information

Fast-Food Favorites

Fast-food chains were among the first to comply with the regulations and typically provide calorie counts on menus, boards, apps, and websites. This includes major brands like McDonald's, Chipotle, Subway, Taco Bell, Wendy's, and Chick-fil-A.

Popular Casual Dining Restaurants

Casual dining chains, also covered by federal law, list calorie information on their menus and often provide comprehensive guides online. Examples include Applebee's, Chili's Grill & Bar, Olive Garden, Red Lobster, and Outback Steakhouse.

Coffee Shops, Bakeries, and Other Establishments

The menu labeling rule also extends to other food service locations where food is prepared for immediate consumption. This means establishments like Starbucks, Dunkin', and Panera Bread display calorie counts for their beverages, pastries, and food items.

Navigating Nutritional Information Beyond the Menu

For detailed nutritional information beyond the displayed calorie counts, consumers can utilize several resources. Federal law mandates that supplemental nutritional details be available in writing upon request. These resources include:

Restaurant Websites: Many chains have dedicated online nutrition sections with detailed information and sometimes customizable calculators.
Mobile Apps: Most major chains' apps provide easy access to nutritional information while browsing the menu.
Third-Party Databases: Websites and apps like Nutritionix compile nutritional data from numerous restaurants, serving as an additional source.

Comparison of Calorie Labeling Across Restaurant Types


Feature	Chain Restaurants (20+ locations)	Independent Restaurants
Calorie Display	Mandatory on menus/boards	Generally optional, depends on local laws
Required Info	Calories must be displayed; additional details available on request	Varies; often not required by law, though some may offer it voluntarily
Consistency	Standardized recipes lead to more consistent values	Values can vary significantly due to non-standardized, 'made-from-scratch' preparation
Access	In-store, online, and via apps	Typically need to be requested directly in-store, if available

Conclusion: The Impact of Menu Transparency

The federal menu labeling law has significantly increased transparency in the food service industry by requiring large chains to display calorie information. This empowers consumers to make more informed choices when dining out. While independent restaurants are generally exempt, major chains offer comprehensive online resources for nutritional details. For more information on the specific requirements, consult the {Link: FDA website https://www.fda.gov/food/nutrition-food-labeling-and-critical-foods/menu-labeling-requirements}.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, in the US, the FDA requires chains with 20 or more locations operating under the same name to display calorie information for standard menu items.

No, the federal law primarily applies to larger chains. Smaller, independent restaurants with fewer than 20 locations are not typically required to post calorie counts, though some local or state laws might have different rules.

For smaller or independent eateries, you can ask a staff member. For larger chains, even if not on the physical menu, they often post full nutritional details on their websites or mobile apps.

Yes, delivery services and third-party apps selling food from covered establishments must also display the required calorie information for standard menu items.

Upon request, covered restaurants must provide written information on total fat, saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, sodium, total carbohydrates, sugars, fiber, and protein.

No, items that are on the menu for fewer than 30 days per year, such as certain daily specials, are typically exempt from labeling requirements under the federal rule.

Calorie counts are required to be based on a reasonable basis, like lab analysis or databases. However, preparation methods, particularly in sit-down restaurants, can lead to minor variations.

Yes, for items at self-service areas like buffets or salad bars, calorie information must be displayed on a sign in close proximity to the food.