Serving up the truth

Most U.S. consumers are trying to limit their added sugar consumption, but chain restaurants are not currently required to disclose the amount of added sugar in their menu items. In October 2024, CSPI commissioned a national survey to assess how many consumers look for nutrition information (such as added sugars) when ordering from restaurants and how many consumers would support a policy to require sodium and added sugars warnings on chain restaurant menus. Big Village’s CARAVAN U.S. Online Omnibus Survey was administered to a nationally representative sample of 2,025 U.S. adults, demographically balanced to the U.S. Census on age, sex, region, race, and ethnicity. Almost all respondents (1,994/2,025, 98%) reported ever ordering food or drinks from chain restaurants, and we analyzed responses to the subsequent questions from these 1,994 respondents. View the resource below to learn more.

These IHOP pancakes pack 24 teaspoons of sugar

IHOP’s limited-time Coffee Cake Pancakes, released in September, have a shocking 102 grams of sugar and 1,310 calories. Here’s how to order a better stack.

Sign-on letter in support of the Healthy Kids, Healthy Futures Act

Which Panera breakfast sandwiches are best and worst?

Panera’s Asiago Sausage & Egg Sandwich puts your breakfast order on a par with a McDonald’s Double Quarter Pounder with Cheese. Here are a few better bets.

Ensuring Healthy Options for Kids at Restaurants

The national movement to improve restaurant kids' meals is growing. Communities and corporations have recognized the need for healthier options on the kids' menu. However, federal action is necessary to expand this policy to cover all children and ensure implementation of this critical effort to improve children’s health. A nationally representative poll conducted in October 2024 found that about 75 percent of Americans support restaurants having at least two kids’ meals that meet nutrition standards. Further, 83 percent of respondents with children in their household under the age of 13 support restaurants having at least two kids' meals that meet nutrition standards. View the resource below to learn more.

Peter’s Memo: Cut the salt

Nearly half of U.S. adults have high blood pressure, which raises the risk of heart attack and stroke. Salt (sodium chloride) boosts blood pressure. In fact, cutting sodium consumption by about a third could prevent an estimated 252,500 deaths over 10 years.

How to order a healthy takeout meal from any restaurant

If you want a healthy takeout meal, whether you’re in the mood for a Thai curry or Chinese stir-fry, what—and how—you order matters. Here’s our cuisine-by-cuisine guide to healthier menu items and takeout tweaks.

Why food waste matters to your pocketbook and the planet

Nearly 40 percent of our food is lost or wasted in the U.S. Here's why food waste matters and why what we do at home can make a big difference.

How many calories are in a ‘small’ Ben & Jerry’s ice cream?

A "small" ice cream at a Ben and Jerry's scoop shop has more calories than you think. And many flavors have nearly a day's worth of saturated fat and added sugar.

How bad is the Taco Bell Big Cheez-It menu? Very.

The Taco Bell Big Cheez-It Box has more than a full day's recommended maximum sodium for adults, plus at least 1,400 calories.