The world’s most outrageous foods, why winter tomatoes are hateful, calorie labels might actually be effective

The world’s most outrageous foods, why winter tomatoes are hateful, calorie labels might actually be effective

This Wendy's menu in New York lists calories (Photo by Ed Yourdon)

• A new study at Stanford University confirms that in-restaurant calorie counts change eating behaviour. In New York, where the labels have taken effect, Dunkin’ Donuts has lost at least three per cent of its business. A bill to bring similar labels to Ontario restaurants was introduced at Queen’s Park last year but has an uncertain future. [The Atlantic]

• McDonald’s customers are being told to “stay awhile” by a new proprietary entertainment network that reverses the chain’s fast-food ethos. More than just a new revenue stream, the in-house McDonald’s Channel would entice diners to kick back while slurping high-profit coffees and desserts. [NRN]

• Granular, goopy, artificially ripened winter tomatoes may be the most ubiquitous out-of-season food during these mid-winter days. The tasteless orbs have made the Village Voice’s “Things We Hate” list, which reveals why the suspiciously plump orbs are too red to be true (hint: ethylene). [Village Voice]

• The Huffington Post’s roundup of outrageous foods from around the world reminds us that not all delicacies are necessarily delectable. Balut (chicken embryo in the shell) and casu marzu (larvae-infested Sardinian cheese) top that list, along with bats and tarantulas. [Huffington Post]