The UK government's new scheme aims to tackle obesity by making it mandatory for large businesses to display the calorie information on their menus.
As of today, Wednesday 6 April 2022, all businesses with over 250 employees who sell food both pre-packed for immediate consumption and not, must label all their products or menus with the correct calorie information.
Image: Pho
The new initiative is part of the government's wider strategy to tackle obesity in the UK.
By placing the calorie information on all menus and packaging, the government are hoping that the general public will make more informed decisions when eating out and ordering takeaways.
The COVID-19 pandemic is said to have highlighted the impact that obesity can have on people’s health. On the government website, officials explain that nearly two thirds of adults in England are classed as overweight or obese according to the BMI scale in 2015, and statistics have stayed worryingly similar since.
In a report about the cost of obesity, the government state that: "the overall cost of obesity to wider society is estimated at £27 billion. The UK-wide NHS costs attributable to overweight and obesity are projected to reach £9.7 billion by 2050, with wider costs to society estimated to reach £49.9 billion per year".
It is thought that the calorie counting menus is an attempt to curb these statistics and lower levels of obesity and the financial impact it has on the health services.
Calorie information must be shown to the consumer on physical menus, online takeaway menus, food delivery menus and on the labels of pre-packaged foods.
The types of businesses targeted are restaurants, cafes, takeaways and specialist food shops such as delicatessens and bakeries.
The only companies exempt to the new regulations are those with under 250 employees, however the government are encouraging such smaller businesses to voluntarily adopt the practice of calorie labelling.
Whilst a menu without the calorie information can be provided to the customer upon request, the new menus with the nutritional information must be given to all customers by default.
The amount will be displayed next to a statement that ‘adults need around 2000 kcal a day’, to act as a reminder and to influence the consumer to make the healthier choice.
An independent bakery and coffee shop in Leeds has spoken out after a huge chain opened its doors opposite her cafe.
Savannah Roqaa, owner of The Savvy Baker, has said that she's on a mission to overtake the sales of Blank Street, the massive matcha chain that opened just metres away within weeks of her new site.
She said that while her brand is best-known for its baked goods, they also specialise in high-quality matcha - something Sav says wasn't in good supply in Leeds at the time she opened.
And now she's publicly spoken out about her mission to tempt people away from the big chain and into her independent business.
In a video shared online, Sav has been inviting customers leaving Blank Street to swap their matcha for one of hers, free of charge.
She then remakes the white chocolate matcha herself, but using quality Callebaut white chocolate, melting real chocolate into the drink.
The customer in the video says: "You can tell, it's way sweeter and like actually white chocolate tasting. And the matcha is greener, which is better."
Sav from The Savvy Baker has spoken of her mission to overtake Blank StreetMatcha from The Savvy Baker in Leeds
Sav said: "So when we signed the lease on literally the biggest risk ever, which is this huge shop in Leeds city centre, we had absolutely no idea that Blank Street were opening their biggest store in the entire world across the road.
"They are a global brand that is obviously very very popular, and we just wanted to try and at least match their sales."
She said that she's heard Blank Street sells 5,000 drinks every single week and is hoping to increase sales at The Savvy Baker enough to match.
Sav said: "Last week we sold 890 drinks. We've converted one, so that is 4,109 more people to convert...
"But we have a lot more tricks up our sleeve, so follow along to see if we can do it. And we would massively appreciate any support that you can give us."
First look inside Bruncho Leeds, the viral brunch spot serving Yorkshire puddings for breakfast
Daisy Jackson
One of Manchester’s most popular brunch spots, which always has queues down the street, has made its way across to Leeds at last.
Bruncho has opened on The Headrow this week, bringing its hit products like French toasts, Middle Eastern brunches, and iced matchas, to Leeds city centre.
Bruncho has also made a name for itself with its viral creations, including Labubu Dubai pistachio French toast (how many 2025 buzzwords can you get in one menu item?) and its collection of drinks served at -86°C.
We're sure that their weird and wonderful creations will go down just as well here in Leeds.
Bruncho has taken over the old Foley’s site, letting the unit’s huge arched windows and beautiful dark wooden floors do the talking.
The team have added in plenty of plants, seagrass lampshades, and colourful pieces of art to liven the place up.
But it’s really the menu where the colour kicks in with gusto - starting with the raspberry blue matcha made with 100% pure blue spirulina powder.
Turkish eggs in a Yorkshire puddingPistachio and Kinder French toastFresh pastriesBruncho has transformed the old Foley's Leeds siteThe huge windows at Bruncho LeedsNew York-style breakfast rolls with croissant loaf
There’s also the pistachio and Kinder French toast, topped with loads of pistachios, fresh berries, and an upside-down ice cream cone.
If you prefer a savoury brunch, their New York-style breakfast rolls served in a croissant bun are worth your attention.
And new for Leeds is Bruncho’s new Turkish eggs offering, served inside a giant Yorkshire pudding. Obviously.
As for the counter, you’ll find all manner of creative pastries and bakes, like a Malteser cube pastry and Black Forest cruffin.
Clementine Hall -
6th April 2022 
