NORTHWOODS - They say ignorance is bliss, but pretty soon the ugly truth could be staring you in the face next time you pull up to your drive through of choice.

Soon restaurant chains will have to display how much fat and calories are in food right on the menu.

"I don't think it's going to influence choices. The information is out there if anyone wants it. I mean, it's no secret. People can go on websites," said Walt Writh, a customer at the Rhinelander Taco Bell.

But one local nutritionist hopes that isn't true.

"It could help a lot for some of the big calorie items. There are some burgers out there that are literally 1300 or 1400 calories," explained Diane Johnson, a clinical dietician at Marshfield Clinic in Minocqua.

And while not all restaurants are not so thrilled about this change, the general manager of the Rhinelander Taco Bell thinks customers will appreciate it.

"When they see the fat grams, they may want to change from a beef burrito supreme to a fresco style and take off the cheese and sauces," said Candy Radant, the general manager of the Rhinelander Taco Bell.

Even skipping toppings like sour cream or guacamole can cut major calories.

Radant says there are a lot of customers that order the fresco style.

One more place you'll see calorie displays are on vending machines, so you'll see the nutrition information before you actually have the food in your hands.

"It would be helpful to the consumer who is kind of health conscious and wants to look at lower calorie choices. Without that being on the vending machine, you don't really know until you got the item in your hand," explained Johnson.

It's a debate that likely won't go away, but for now is the next step in an attempt to make America healthier.

Related Weblinks: Taco Bell Nutrition Information
Burger King Nutrition Information
McDonald's Nutrition Information