A new study from the National Restaurant Association (NRA) says that seven out of ten US consumers “customize” their food choices when they order in a restaurant -- either for reasons of dietary requirements, or simply because they want the food “their way.”
“The restaurant industry has long prided itself in providing consumers myriad options as well as the freedom to customize their meals to meet their dietary preferences and needs,” said Steven C. Anderson, president and chief executive officer of the National Restaurant Association. “Our research indicates that 70 percent of Americans customize their food choices – which means an overwhelming majority of people aren't just simply ordering off-the-menu anymore. They are tailoring their order, and ordering exactly what they desire.”
The NRA submits as one example the make-up of a sandwich consisting of just five items or toppings (such as bread, meat, cheese, lettuce, tomato), which can be ordered in 120 conceivable ways. A sandwich comprised of 10 items or toppings could provide 3,628,800 combinations. Which is why, the NRA says, nutritional labeling of restaurant menu items is unworkable.
“The restaurant industry has long prided itself in providing consumers myriad options as well as the freedom to customize their meals to meet their dietary preferences and needs,” said Steven C. Anderson, president and chief executive officer of the National Restaurant Association. “Our research indicates that 70 percent of Americans customize their food choices – which means an overwhelming majority of people aren't just simply ordering off-the-menu anymore. They are tailoring their order, and ordering exactly what they desire.”
The NRA submits as one example the make-up of a sandwich consisting of just five items or toppings (such as bread, meat, cheese, lettuce, tomato), which can be ordered in 120 conceivable ways. A sandwich comprised of 10 items or toppings could provide 3,628,800 combinations. Which is why, the NRA says, nutritional labeling of restaurant menu items is unworkable.
- KC's View:
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On the other hand, we could argue that restaurants ought to have nutrition information available for every “as is” menu item, and that if a customers wants a dish not listed on the menu, it is their choice not to have specific info.
Funny, though. With few exceptions (like “hold the Brussels Sprouts”), we’ve rarely ever ordered off a restaurant menu without taking the dish as they want to serve it…that’s why we go to the restaurant, to have it their way.
