STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — New York City has become the first in the nation to require chain restaurants to alert customers when menu items contain dangerously high levels of added sugars.
Under a new Health Department rule that took effect October 4, restaurants that are part of chains with 15 or more locations nationwide must display a warning icon next to any food or drink containing 50 grams or more of added sugars. The regulation affects nearly 4,000 restaurants citywide.
Fines to follow
“Every New Yorker deserves access to delicious, healthy food that they feel good about eating,” said Acting Health Commissioner Dr. Michelle Morse. “As the first in the nation to add a warning icon for added sugars, this rule underlines our longstanding work to ensure New Yorkers have information about the food they eat.”
The 50-gram threshold represents the daily recommended limit for added sugars in a 2,000-calorie diet. Yet Americans consume an average of 67 grams daily, well above that limit. A single 20-ounce soda or iced tea can contain more than 60 grams of added sugar.
Restaurants must also include a health warning about risks linked to excessive sugar intake, such as type 2 diabetes, weight gain, and tooth decay. The law, passed by the City Council in 2023, applies to prepackaged items with Nutrition Facts labels and equivalent non-packaged items like fountain sodas.
Council Member Lynn Schulman, who co-sponsored the legislation, said that the warnings give consumers tools to reduce chronic health risks.
Studies suggest that sugar icons and warnings help consumers recognize high-sugar items and may reduce orders. NYC already requires calorie counts and sodium warnings on chain menus.
The Health Department is currently educating restaurants. Starting January 2026, non-compliant chains may face $200 fines.
Translation to Staten Island menus
So what does this mean for Staten Island patrons?
Several popular chains will need to post sugar warnings. They must display the spoon icon and health warning for any item with 50 grams of added sugar or more, including sodas, milkshakes, and desserts.
Coffee chains such as Starbucks, where Frappuccinos often exceed 50 grams of sugar, and Dunkin’, with large iced coffees and specialty drinks that can hit the threshold, will be affected. Fast-food favorites like McDonald’s, Burger King, and Wendy’s will also need warnings for large sodas, shakes, and desserts such as McFlurries and Frostys.
Casual dining spots including Applebee’s and Buffalo Wild Wings have cocktails, desserts, and some sauces that qualify. Bakery and dessert chains like Krispy Kreme and Cold Stone Creamery will need to flag doughnut combos, milkshakes, and ice cream creations that surpass the limit.
Expect to see these sugar warning icons on menus starting January 2026. Here are the restaurants on Staten Island affected by the law:
Coffee Chains:
Starbucks – Frappuccinos often exceed 50g sugar.
Dunkin’ – Large iced coffees and specialty drinks can hit the threshold.
Fast Food Chains:
McDonald’s – Large sodas and McFlurry desserts qualify.
Burger King – Sugary drinks and shakes are affected.
Wendy’s – Frosty and soda combos are examples.
Casual Dining Chains:
Applebee’s – Cocktails and desserts often exceed 50g sugar.
Buffalo Wild Wings – Some sauces and drinks may qualify.
Bakery and Dessert Chains:
Krispy Kreme – Doughnut combos and milkshakes can surpass the limit.
Cold Stone Creamery – Ice cream creations often exceed 50g sugar.