65% Increase in Menu Items with “Healthy” Claim Added to Restaurant Menus

According to “Mintel Menu Insights,” between the 2nd quarter 2009 and the 2nd quarter 2010, the appearance of healthy food items on restaurant menus increased by 65%. Likewise, the appearance of vegetarian food items on menus increased by 12%, although over a longer time period (2nd quarter 2007 to 2nd quarter 2010).

Healthy items continue to appear more frequently on restaurant menus across the country. Mintel found a 65% increase in such items from 2009 to 2010. The appearance of vegetarian items on menus is also on the rise, increasing in presence on restaurant menus by 12% from 2007 to 2010. In addition, Mintel identified a 10% increase in all menu items that contain fruits or vegetables during the 2007-2010 time period, another indication of growing consumer interest in healthy eating, even while dining out.