Restaurants love using buzzwords to make dishes sound healthier and more gourmet. But not everything on the menu is exactly as it seems. Here are eight restaurant myths worth knowing, so you can enjoy your meal with open eyes.
8. Pasteurization Guarantees Food Safety
Restaurants often reassure diners by stating “pasteurized ingredients” for items like cheeses, dressings, or juices. While pasteurization kills pathogens, safety also depends on temperature, handling, storage, and cross-contamination. This means pasteurization isn’t a failsafe shield; safe dining is a series of steps.
7. Kale Automatically Makes a Dish Healthy
You’ll see this “superfood” both in casual and fast-healthy joints and in items like salads, smoothies, or side dishes. Yes, kale is nutritious but it doesn’t cancel out high sugar, sodium or even calorie overload in a dish. Always look at the full picture. Balance is what truly matters, not just one ingredient.
6. Sustainable Fish Claims Are Straightforward
Some menus boast having “local, sustainable fish” to signal freshness and eco-friendliness. It sounds reassuring, but the word “sustainable” can mean different things because there’s no single standard. Local sourcing can cut down on travel miles, but real impact depends on how the fish was farmed or caught. Treat these claims as a good start, but ask questions or look for certifications if you want to dig deeper.
5. Natural Preservatives Are Better for You
To suggest wholesomeness, restaurants would often highlight “natural ingredients” and “no artificial preservatives” on menus. However, the word “natural” isn’t regulated. Plus, some natural preservatives are chemically identical to artificial ones. Labels using “natural” should always be taken with a grain of salt.
4. Searing Meat Can Seal In Juices
Ever hear steaks or chops described with “seared to lock in juices.” Well, it’s a myth repeated across all restaurant types because it’s familiar and sounds technical. The reality is searing adds flavor, but it doesn’t seal in juices. Basically, searing is about flavor and browning, not moisture retention.
3. Fat-Free Items Are Healthier
Those fat-free sauces or dressings under “light” category are diet-friendly, right? Not exactly. Many fat-free items replace fat with sugar or additives. And here’s another truth: you need fat to help your body absorb vitamins and keep yourself feeling full. Next time, scan the label. Moderate healthy fat is better than hidden sugar.
2. Imported Olive Oil is Superior
Restaurants love to brag about “imported olive oil,” making it look like the gold standard of flavor and nutrition. But what matters most is whether it’s extra-virgin. High-quality olive oils in the US can be just as healthy, and sometimes fresher than those shipped from overseas. Restaurants stick to the imported label because it’s fancy, not because it changes the health benefits.
1. Fresh-Squeezed Juice is Always Healthier
If you think a glass of fresh juice is the ultimate good-for-you option, well, that’s not exactly true. Juicing strips out fiber and concentrates the natural sugars, making your drink more like a sweetened soda. Whole fruit is so much better as it gives you energy that lasts and keep you full longer. Restaurants highlight fresh juice because it sounds fancy and indulgent, and customers happily pay for it.