Researchers at Tufts University in Boston, USA, analyzed the calorie content of 18 side dishes and entrees from national sit-down chain restaurants, 11 side dishes and entrees from national fast food restaurants and 10 frozen meals purchased from supermarkets.

They compared their results to the calorie content information provided to the public by the restaurants and food companies.

On average, the calorie content information provided by the restaurants was 18 percent less than the researcher’s calorie content analysis. Two side dishes exceeded the restaurant’s reported calorie information by nearly 200 percent. The calorie content information reported by packaged food companies averaged 8 percent less than the researchers’ analysis.
 
“If people use published calorie contents for weight control, discrepancies of this magnitude could result in weight gain of many pounds a year,” the researchers commented.

More Calorie Information

Restaurant Calorie Counter
Chocolate Bar Calorie Counter