A new study says that calorie counts on fast-food menus aren't likely to push customers toward healthier options, according to Time. Why didn't they work? Well, one theory — our favorite, easily — is that just by walking into a fast-food restaurant people have already basically given up on the idea of healthy eating, so, calorie counts, are, like, eh, whatevs.
First of all, I'm a *huge* fan of having calorie counts on menus. They had this in New York when I lived there and I found it did make a difference in what I ate.
For the general population, I agree with this post. Once you've entered a McDonald's, you've already decided to load up on fat, salt, and calories. Nothing you read or see will make you change your mind.
But I think Starbucks has a lot to lose here. I use to walk into a Starbucks for a cup of coffee (~5 calories) and walk out with a fat-free muffin on the side. Or sometimes a mocha.
No more. Once you see the calorie counts on those guys, it's hard to order them unless that's what you walked in for.
I'll take my regular coffee please, black.
