Eat Beautiful

 Itsu have just announced a 20-site expansion in London, up from the current 38 locations  They are certainly one to watch with Pret's Julian Metcalfe in the driving seat.

 In-store flowers and story!

 Eat Beautiful is the message with lots of low-fat, low-carb, low-calorie recipes.

Seaweed Thins

 Clever Julian Metcalfe of Itsu and Pret fame is right on the money and calories.

He promises more innovative snacks are on the way.  After the success of popcorn and rice cakes he is most definitely one to watch.

 Taste good too.

10 Calorie Cappuccino

Cafe Brera has switched on to the demand for no fat, low calorie yet recognisable drinks.

Tubby Telford

6,626 calories, 9" high and £15 - The Titanic Burger was introduced 8  months ago and 400 have won the challenge (eat within 45 minutes and get a T shirt and a free main course on your next visit) of the 2,000 sold including one competitive person who ate it in 7 minutes.

40oz of meat including burgers, chicken breast, bacon, cheese, onion rings, waffles, buns, salad and mayonnaise plus milkshake and chunky chips.  Not sure Oscars in Telford has heard of the Responsibility Deal.

Do You Know Anybody Who Wants to be Fat?

Have you switched on to obesity and calorie counts?  It does make you think and I am sure it will alter demand over time.   That daily latte looks dangerous!  No, we don't want to stifle the creativity and innovation of homemade food and changing menus but how about showing information on at least some bought-in items?

Guilt Free Coffee

Costa are offering a less than 80 calorie coffee - "All the Love; Less of the Handles".

The milky, foamy coffee uses skimmed milk, less than a full shot of coffee and is offered with sugar-free syrup.

Not much taste as far as I was concerned but less calories has its appeal.

Calorie Counting

Food Secret's nutritional information dominates and appears to be their unique selling point.  The calculation is not that easy to understand - their website says it refers to one third of a day's requirement (i.e.one meal's worth).  Health, nutrition, calories - it's certainly higher up the agenda in customers' minds.