Consumers Say Healthy Options Don't Taste Good

Numerous efforts have been launched by concerned health groups against restaurants to make their menus more healthy. Consumers say they want to eat nutritious foods, but their actions indicate otherwise.

According to the 2010 Healthy Eating Consumer Trend Report by Technomic, nearly 20 percent of consumes feel designated "healthy" menu options don't taste as good as other offerings. Such findings indicate people may not be completely truthful when they say they are trying consume a more balanced diet.

Technomic executive vice president Darren Tristano says consumers seem to let their healthy intentions fall by the wayside when they are actually inside a restaurant.

"Many consumers are actually making substantial changes to their overall habits, even basing which restaurants they frequent in part based on their impressions of the healthfulness of the brands," says Tristano. "However, as many of us know from personal experience, diners do not always follow through on their intentions once it is time to order."

Earlier this month, officials in San Francisco banned McDonald's from placing toys in their Happy Meals. It's hoped such actions will discourage children from eating unhealthy food, which could ultimately subject them to higher health and life insurance rates.