Weekly consumer spending on food and beverages in Saudi Arabia declined 9.6% to SAR 2.01 billion, while spending at restaurants and cafés fell 4.6% to SAR 1.57 billion, reflecting shifting habits across the Kingdom's dining sector.
The drop comes as new menu transparency requirements reshape how restaurants and cafés present their offerings. Since 1 July 2025, venues across the Kingdom must display the caffeine content of items on both paper and electronic menus, giving customers clearer information before they order.
Under the rules, any menu item containing more than 5 grams of salt or 2,000 milligrams of sodium must carry a high-salt warning symbol. Menus are also required to show the estimated amount of physical activity needed to burn off the calories in each meal, helping diners make more informed choices.
What it means for the community
These requirements extend beyond physical venues to online food-ordering platforms, so residents in Riyadh, Jeddah and other cities will see the same labeling whether they dine in or order to their door. The disclosures also include guidance that adult caffeine intake should not exceed 400 milligrams
For households and families watching their budgets and health, the combination of lower weekly spending and clearer menu information signals a market where consumers are paying closer attention to both value and nutrition. The changes aim to support healthier everyday choices while keeping the Kingdom's busy café and restaurant scene well-informed and transparent.
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