Reported by: Carol Williams Produced by: Stephanie Edmunds Web produced by: Laura Hornsby
What's On The Menu: Extensive Web Section
Check out our web section for statements from included restaurants, full explanations of the test procedures, inclusive stats on the results and more.
These days, it's not tough to find restaurants with low-fat or low-calorie items; even fast food chains are doing it.
But a special Healthy Living investigation shows that some of these "healthy" choices are not what they claim.
We found out what's written on the menu may not be what goes on your plate.
It's a fact, one-fourth of busy Americans eat at least one meal away from home every day. Many find eating out easier, quicker and more convenient than cooking and hope to keep it healthy with "light" items on the menu. However, what's written on the menu may not tell the whole story.
9 News, along with reporters from seven other TV stations in cities like Phoenix, Detroit, Kansas City, Baltimore and Tampa, wanted to know if the low-fat, low-calorie foods at popular chains are really what they claim.
We identified national restaurant chains that advertise low-fat or low-calorie menu options, and teaming up with our seven sister stations, we all bought items off the low fat and low-calorie menus at Macaroni Grill, Chili's, Applebee's, The Cheesecake Factory and Taco Bell.
Next, we placed each sample in a Ziploc bag, labeled it and packed it on ice. We all then shipped our samples overnight to Analytical Laboratories Incorporated, a government-approved testing facility in Boise, Idaho.
Once the food arrived at ALI, lab technicians unpacked, logged and weighed each sample.
Then, to simulate how our bodies digest food, the lab put each sample in a food processor.
The chemists mathematically determined the amount of fat and calories in each serving.
Applebee's Cajun Lime Tilapia
In the Tri-State, we stopped at a local Applebee's, ordering the cajun lime tilapia.
According to Applebee's own menu, the dish has 310 calories and six grams of fat, but our lab tests showed 401 calories and more than double the fat: 14.3 grams!
Chili's Black Bean Burger
It was a similar story at a Chili's location outside of Tampa, Florida. The guiltless black bean burger is supposed to have 12 fat grams and 650 calories, but ALI technicians found a whopping 32 grams of fat and 770 calories.
Chili's corporate office sent us this statement stating in part, "To the extent that any of the items ordered were not prepared to our exacting standards, we apologize to our valued guests. As such, we will be working to reinforce these menu standards and re-train team members on item preparation."
Taco Bell's Fresco Grilled Steak Soft Taco
At another stop at Taco Bell, the fresco grilled steak soft taco is advertised at 160 calories and 4.5 grams of fat. Our lab found those numbers were way off: 297 calories and 19.5 grams of fat!
Taco Bell disagrees with the results of our test. Their corporate office said among other things: "It's important to note that the calorie and fat gram restults from your tests simply do not reflect the actual calorie and fat counts in our fresco products."
They went on to say: "Your testing methodology is not scientifically or statistically valid or reliable for use as the basis for a claim regarding average calorie or fat gram counts."
The Nutrition Council's Lauren Niemes wasn't surprised by our test results. She says a little human error can lead to a lot of extra calories.
Her example? Just one tablespoon of oil poured into a recipe can add as much as 150 calories.
"If you don't have control over what you're eating, if you're not actualy preparing it, then you really don't have a good idea of how many calories you're taking in," Niemes said. "You're putting your health in the control of other people's hands."
Macaroni Grill's Pollo Magro Skinny Chicken
At a Tri-State Macaroni Grill, we ordered the pollo magro skinny chicken, which the menu says has less than 500 calories.
ALI analysis shows 320 calories, which is the good news. The menu also said it was less than six grams of fat, but our lab found the meal was packed with 14 grams!
It was a mixed reaction from some Cincinnati diners, with comments such as, "That doesn't surprise me," "that's kind of disappointing," and, "we're not eating as healthy as we think."
The Cheesecake Factory's California Salad
It's important to point out that not all of the restaurants failed our calorie and fat content test.
At one Cheesecake Factory location in Baltimore, Maryland, ads promise the California salad will be served to you with less than 590 calories.
The lab tests show the company's claim was correct- we found just 392 calories in that salad.
You'll find other food items tested by our sister stations, full statements from the restaurants, as well as a special video section showing you how each meal was tested.
Have a comment on this story? Send us an email at healthyliving@wcpo.com
