Saudi foodies, brace yourselves, your dining experience & menus is about to get a healthy little facelift! Come July 1, every restaurant, café, and online menu across the Kingdom will look a lot more detailed, thanks to the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) turning the tables with some big new rules. And yes, that means more than just fancy fonts: think calories, sugar, salt, and even caffeine alerts!
Saudi’s New Menus Makeover Is Coming
Gone are the days of blissfully tucking into a burger without knowing what’s sneaking into your system. Under the new Saudi Food Regulation Policy, every bite you take will come with full transparency. Restaurants will now have to list calories, fat, sugar, sodium levels, and all those sneaky ingredients that could spark allergies. You’ll even spot a tiny saltshaker icon next to meals high in sodium. Beverages aren’t off the hook either. From your morning karak to that strong cup of gahwa, menus will now show how much caffeine you’re sipping on. Oh, and ever wondered how long you’d need to hit the treadmill to burn off that shawarma? Yep, they’ll list that too. It’s like your menu and your fitness tracker had a meeting!
Saudi Arabia is seeing rising rates of diabetes, heart disease, and obesity, and with diners more health-conscious than ever, knowing exactly what’s on your plate helps everyone make better choices.
Restaurants Step Up, With A Smile
Surprisingly, we aren’t hearing any complaints from the business and restaurant owners. Loads of restaurants are happily jumping on board, with some even giving their menus a healthy little glow-up to keep customers smiling and guilt-free. It’s all part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, making life better while making sure your tastebuds still have a party!
The SFDA also has the backs of business owners, providing all the tools and support needed to make the transition smoother. From printed menus to online platforms and delivery apps, every meal, snack, and cuppa will now come with a side of clear, honest info.
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Conclusion
So next time you’re scanning the menu for your favourite mandi or burger in Saudi Arabia, expect to see more than mouth-watering descriptions. Calories, caffeine, sodium, it’ll all be laid out, giving you the power to eat smart while still loving your food.
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