find the nutritional value from restuarants that don't post

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  • ynotcycle
    ynotcycle Posts: 121 Member
    I usually find something close in the database as well. If the restaurant has fewer than 20 locations, they are not req'd by law to provide nutrional labeling. I was pretty frustrated when I asked a local place and they didn't have the info, thinking that everyone had to. I found the info regarding the law at the FDA website:

    http://www.fda.gov/food/labelingnutrition/default.htm

    Interesting info, thanks for posting that!
  • Jeffersz
    Jeffersz Posts: 36
    That's my understanding too. In doing a quick google search, the federal one reads just like the California law with one exception: CA states 20 or more locations in CA, while federal just states 20 or more doing business under the same name.

    That's correct, and if they fall in this category and it isn't posted, they must provide it when asked for it.
  • micheleld73
    micheleld73 Posts: 914 Member
    When the new taxes kick in, who's going to be able to afford to go out and eat?

    :happy:

    Especially at any sit down restaurant.
  • DaveMurphy6
    DaveMurphy6 Posts: 130 Member
    don't worry..your scale will be the final opinion
  • AmyRhubarb
    AmyRhubarb Posts: 6,890 Member
    Its the law in California so not an issue. Moreover, nearly every restaurant in America posts nutritional values online. If they do not then don't patronize them. Find what you want elsewhere.
    Not for independent restaurants, only big chains. And we've got a lot of favorite places in my town that are independent and make amazing food. :love: I usually do what everyone else has already suggested - find the closest match in the database and just wing it. Or as my boss used to call it when trying to write an order before a busy day, "use the SWAG method: scientific wild-*kitten* guessing". :tongue:
  • lar4290
    lar4290 Posts: 55 Member
    I eat out a lot, mainly at nice local restaurants with high quality foods (so it would be difficult to find something comprable at the big chains that post values like Chili's of Applebees). I've gotten pretty good at picking out what I'll eat on the menu beforehand and working out calories. I always add at least 2-3 tablespoons of oil or butter to any entree (maybe more depending on the cooking style) and extra oil for things probably brushed in it on top of that. Then after I eat, I'll adjust (e.g. if I guessed the entree would have 4 scallops but it had 5). Also, but guessing beforehand, I try to figure out how much I want to eat. E.g. eat 2/3 of it, and I'll have lunch tomorrow. Thinking about that ahead of time helps me make good choices at the restaurant. For things that I'd eat often (like my favorite sushi roll), I make a recipe on this site.

    I realize that it's not perfect--but neither is me counting at home unless I weighed everything (e.g. there's a significant variation in a "large apple" depending on how much it weighs. So, I see it more as a way to keep yourself accountable and on track--an estimate of 1200 calories if it's really 1350 is better than saying, aww **** it and eating 3,000 if you give up on trying to estimate it.
  • dave4d
    dave4d Posts: 1,155 Member

    This. Even at chain restaurants that DO post, entrees can be off by several hundred calories. The folks in the kitchen usually eyeball ingredients rather than weigh them out and follow exact measurements.

    What's interesting - as of a couple of years ago, I thought all restaurants with five or more locations were supposed to make their nutrition info public. However, there are several big chains that don't, including Buffalo's Southwest Grille and Cracker Barrel.

    Omg I love Cracker Barrel. I haven't eaten there in a while, though - not since I started logging. I had no idea they didn't have their info! I'm going to have to switch eating their to my cheat day only now. :(

    But better to have this info now than not. Thank you!

    I have an app called restaurant, & nutrition guide that lists Cracker barrel, and their nutritional info.
  • acogg
    acogg Posts: 1,870 Member
    I hate Crackerbarrel. The salt is over the top. Fact is, my homecooking is better than any restaurant that I have ever been to, except one. Cigars in Grand Isle in Louisiana. They had a visiting chef and it was the best food I have ever had. Flounder stuffed wiith crawfish and shrimp in a gravy of deliciousness. No meal has competed against that one. It was the best meal of my life. What is sad is that I can't go back. The chef is gone, the restaurant is gone, the time is gone. :brokenheart:

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