HEALTHY OPTIONS ON KIDS' MENUS COST LESS THAN EXPECTED

Healthy entrees on children's menus cost much less than people think, despite the assumption that healthy foods tend to be more expensive, according to new findings published in the journal Preventing Chronic Disease.

With the economy still in recovery mode, consumers want value-priced healthy menu items. Researchers from the University of Tennessee found healthy items on kids' menus cost an average of $5.38, which was not significantly more than less healthy meals ($5.27).

The study involved children's menus from 75 full-service restaurant chains in the Little Rock area. All 75 restaurants had less healthful entrees on their kid's menus, 23% had only less healthful entrees, and 77% had at least one or more healthful entrees. One average, there were significantly fewer healthful entrees compared to less healthful entrees.

"More healthful" meals included foods that were grilled, baked or broiled (except grilled cheese), and the "less healthful" meals were fried, contained red meat (unless low-fat or low-calorie), or contained a large amount of cheese, butter or cream sauce. Sandwiches were considered healthful if made with whole wheat and low-fat or low-calorie condiments.

The study did not examine the prices of beverages, side dishes or desserts.

Restaurants have increased their focus on healthful menu options in recent years, and in 2011, the National Restaurant Association (NRA) launched an initiative to highlight actions taken by restaurants to promote healthier diets.