More than a third of diners (41%) say they are likely to change their dish for something with lower calories when they are visible when ordering, although 48% of say they are indifferent or not interested at all in them.
The research from customer experience platform Feed It Back of almost 60,000 diners found that calorie counts on menus have more of an impact on the younger age group, with almost half of 18-24-year-olds saying it is likely they would change their meal choice to a lower calorie option, compared to just 35% of over 65s.
It also found, however, that 79% of people would not look at calories if they were available on the website before making a booking.
Calorie labelling on menus for businesses that employ 250 or more staff came into force in England on 6 April. Under the rules venues must display calorie counts ‘clearly and prominently’ at the point of choice – typically a menu – along with the statement that ‘adults need around 2,000 kcal a day’.
Plans are also being drafted in Scotland to add the number of calories to menus in Scotland's out of home food sector including in cafes, restaurants and takeaways.
The survey also asked diners about their future plans for dining and drinking out, when faced with the cost-of-living challenges. While more than a third of respondents (36%) say they will be spending less over the next few months, 59% predict they will spend about the same.
It also found that deposits are a turn-off, with 60% of customers less likely to make a booking when a deposit is required.