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July 2022 - Food

Survey reveals that consumers are drastically underestimating calories in food: A survey of people in the UK has revealed that many consumers are underestimating the number of calories in snacks and their favourite foods.

Respondents also underestimated seemingly healthier options including avocados and jacket potatoes. The average estimate for an avocado was 149 calories, however the actual number is 322, while the estimated number for a jacket potato and baked beans was 274, with the actual value being 274.

The survey polled 1,500 adults finding that a third of people attempt to count calories throughout their day, however 7 in 10 will estimate the calorific value, rather than actually checking labels and menus. More than a fifth of the respondents polled said that they are at a total loss when it comes to losing weight.

Some of the foods which respondents grossly underestimated the calories content included pizza, fish and chips and peanut butter.

While the average estimated value of fish and chips was 388 calories, the actual number of calories in a portion is 1,000 - just one example of how respondents are way out with their estimates.

The average estimated value of deep-dish pepperoni pizza was 298 calories, where in fact, the actual calorific value is 505.

A portion of peanut butter was estimated to be 298 while the actual total was 508.

 

Meal/food item	Estimated calories	Actual calories
Milk chocolate	187	236
Caesar Salad	298	508
Restaurant Chicken Tikka Masala	820	1067
Avocado	149	322
Sweet Popcorn	298	417
Chocolate Brownie	441	502
Cheeseburger	265	364

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