Starting Tuesday, 1 July 2025, the Saudi Food and Drug Authority’s (SFDA) new regulation on calorie counts in menus will come into effect.
The decree stipulates that all food and beverage establishments across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will need to provide additional information about the food and beverages they offer.
The new regulations involve calorie counts for food, dishes, beverages, and even ice cream as well as indicators for salty foods and caffeinated items.
This decree is part of the Kingdom’s public health transformation, ensuring a better and healthier life for all.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at calorie labeling laws, their importance, and what Saudi restaurants can do to implement this new regulation.
A global and regional move towards better health
Saudi Arabia is not the first country to implement calorie counts on its menus.
Calorie counts, known as menu labeling laws, are mandatory in many countries around the world, including the United States and Australia.
In India, calorie labelling is required for concepts with 10+ venues, while in the UK the requirement is for large businesses with 250+ employees.
Regionally, the United Arab Emirates has made it compulsory for restaurants to display calorie counts.
Why this law now?
Saudi Arabia is actively tackling rising obesity and lifestyle-related diseases, a key national challenge. This health focus stems from shifting consumer awareness and health priorities, as more people seek healthier dining options.
In 2019, the Saudi Ministry of Health (MOH) reported that adults aged 18 and over had an obesity rate of 20.2%, while 38.2% were overweight.
Recognizing the vital role of food service businesses in public health, the SFDA’s new regulations aim to address the challenges and offer an opportunity at a healthier lifestyle.
This also comes amid growing interest in healthier food and beverages across the kingdom, including vegetarian and vegan food.
Designed to align with Saudi Vision 2030’s health and quality-of-life goals, these SFDA measures will empower consumers to make informed food choices and encourage healthier lifestyles across the Kingdom.
Meet the New SFDA Regulations and Requirements
In terms of the SFDA’s new requirements, here’s all you need to know.
- Implementation begins Tuesday, 1 July 2025.
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- This decree applies to restaurants, cafes, bakeries, food trucks, delivery platforms, and catering service providers.
- Details are applicable to all types of menus and their formats. This includes print menus, menu boards, digital apps, and delivery websites and apps.
- Mandatory details that must be included on all menus:
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- Calorie counts for each item
- Fat, sugar, sodium/salt content
- Caffeine content
- Allergen disclosures (14 main allergens)
- High-sodium warnings (salt shaker icon)
- Physical activity equivalents (e.g., “45 minutes’ walk”)
How restaurants can comply with the SFDA requirements
Step 1: Analyze menu items
Conduct an accurate nutritional analysis of all items on your menu. This involves precisely calculating calories, salt (sodium), and caffeine content for every dish and beverage.
You may need to engage food scientists or use specialized software to ensure the data is accurate.
Step 2: Update your print and digital menus
Under the SFDA’s new regulations, you must update your restaurant menus. This includes your print (physical) and digital menus, along with those on third-party delivery platforms.
Each menu item, be it appetizer, main course, dessert, beverage, or something else must clearly display the required nutritional information.
This includes calorie counts, the “Salty” tag where applicable, caffeine content for beverages, and the estimated time to burn off calories.
Step 3: Train staff to answer questions about nutrition
Your front-of-house (FOH) and back-of-house (BOH) staff should be well-versed in the new labeling system. They should be able to confidently address customer inquiries regarding ingredients, nutritional values, and special dietary needs.
Step 4: Use restaurant tech for faster compliance and updates
Using restaurant technology like digital menus can help you speed up restaurant operations and compliance.
For example, if you’re using Foodics’ digital menus, you can quickly and easily update your restaurant’s menus with information from your Foodics dashboard.
You can also use the SFDA’s caffeine calculator to manage caffeine data, ensure accuracy, and facilitate seamless updates as recipes or regulations evolve.
Final words
The SFDA’s new calorie labeling law, effective from 1 July 2025, marks a major shift toward transparency and consumer empowerment in the Saudi dining scene. While it presents some challenges, it also opens the door for restaurants to lead the way in promoting public health.
Establishments that act early stand to gain customer trust, loyalty, and a reputation for social responsibility. This isn’t just about compliance—it’s about shaping a healthier future for Saudi Arabia, one meal at a time.
