You open the menu and see a number beside every item. Many people ignore it — it is in fact the most powerful free tool in your hands.
What did the Authority mandate?
The Saudi Food and Drug Authority requires restaurants and cafés to display detailed nutritional information on menus — both physical and digital, including food delivery platforms[1],[2]. Requirements include:
- The calorie count for every item.
- A salt-shaker symbol for high-sodium items[2].
- Caffeine content in beverages[2].
- The approximate time needed to expend the item's calories[2].
and digital menus
items
beverages
Why does this matter?
The stated goal is to enable customers to make better-informed food choices in response to growing health issues such as obesity and high blood pressure[2]. A Saudi study examined the effect of calorie display on fast-food consumption among teachers in Riyadh[3] — the information alone changes the choice.
The salt symbol matters particularly in a country where half of those with hypertension don't know they have it (the article).
How to read the number intelligently
- Compare before ordering, not after: the difference between two similar items can reach 400 calories.
- Note the stated serving size: sometimes the figure is for half the dish or a single piece.
- The drink is a separate line item: a large sweetened latte can equal a full meal (the sugar limit).
- Don't take "burn time" literally: a useful psychological indicator, but burning differs between individuals.
- And in delivery apps: the figures are mandated there too — use them at the moment of ordering (the delivery trap).