Chain Restaurants Must Now Display Calorie Counts

A long-delayed rule from the Affordable Care Act has just gone into effect, requiring chains to provide calorie counts on menus.

Initially set to start in 2011, the rule, which was delayed because of the efforts of lobbying from the restaurant industry, went into effect on May 7, according to Eater.

It’s not just restaurants that will be affected by the new rule. Businesses with more than 20 locations that sell food or beverages, including movie theaters, vending machines, convenience stores, and grocery stores, will also be required to list calorie information for consumers.

While some chains including Panera Bread, Starbucks, and McDonald’s have already implemented calorie counts, others who have yet to add the calorie information will reportedly have time over the course of the next year to meet the new rules.

FDA commissioner Scott Gottlieb called the newly enacted rule a “meaningful, incremental step” in curbing America’s obesity epidemic, according to CNN.

Make Vegan Alternatives to Fast Food at Home

Now that chain restaurants have to disclose their calorie information, you might not be feeling so great about that Soy Mocha Frappuccino (400 calories). As an alternative, why not try some of these homemade recipes from the Food Monster App?

Unicorn Frappuccino

This Unicorn Frappuccino is beautiful and easy to make at home. It has almond milk and vegan vanilla ice cream instead of dairy!

Mushroom and Zucchini Burger With Radicchio Slaw

This Mushroom and Zucchini Burger With Radicchio Slaw is a perfect homemade alternative to meat burgers at restaurants. This recipe has creamy avocado and a tangy radicchio slaw for toppings!

Crispy Tofu Nuggets

These Crispy Tofu Nuggets are a plant-based take on traditional fast food nuggets. They even include a delicious curry ketchup for dipping!

All of these recipes and more can be found on the Food Monster App. With over 10,000 recipes right in the palm of your hand, you’ll always have something delicious and new to try. It’s available for both Android and iPhone, and can also be found on Instagram and Facebook. Full of allergy-friendly recipes, subscribers gain access to new recipes every day.

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