Concerned About Calories?
The Real Greek has become the first restaurant group in the UK to include a calorie count on every single item of their menus from sides to desserts, and on the drinks list from wines to beers.
The company has been working closely with the FSA (Food Standards Agency) and is the only restaurant company currently offering real transparency in their nutritional information based on current FSA guidelines.
According to Liz Williams, Managing Director of The Real Greek, which has six restaurants in central London: “People want the choice these days - if you want to take a more balanced approach when you eat out, your choice is going to be better informed when the calories are clearly listed.
“Perhaps you’ll go for a lighter dessert, for example, like our Sweet and Salty Watermelon which you can enjoy without blowing your calories for the day, and it goes towards one of your ‘five a day”.
Greek food is naturally nutritious; using olive oil rather than saturated animal fat, and featuring healthy grilled fish and meat strongly, rather than stodgy carbohydrates. Some modern Greek favourites are surprisingly low in calories; Grilled Halloumi at The Real Greek comes in at 151 calories, Lamb Kefte has just 344 calories and a bottle of white Retsina contains 655 calories.
Where dishes were on the high fat side, for example deep fried whitebait, these have been replaced by The Real Greek with healthy menu additions for those who want a delicious and less calorific meal. These include Grilled Asparagus at 140 calories a portion and Lahanosalata at 134 calories.
According to the FSA: “There is no compelling reason why we shouldn’t see nutritional information when we eat out, as we are used to seeing it in supermarkets. It is important to have clear information in order to make decisions about the food we, our children and anyone else eat, when we go out. Providing calorie information is supported by our consumer research and intuitively feels right too.”
The Real Greek has given some calorie information on its menus since 2009. However this was for food only, not for drinks. “Our customers have really found the information helpful, and they encouraged us to extend calorie counting to soft and alcoholic drinks,” says Liz Williams. “They do seem to be taking healthier options; it’s really gratifying to see.”
Date Posted: 23 Jul 10
Posted By: Christian Rose-Day
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