Get FREE Lab-Tested Calorie Information for Your Menu
Help shape the next generation of AI for independent restaurants. Join an exclusive, fully funded AI research study by Nesta and New York University Abu Dhabi.
For more information, please email: ukcal@nyu.edu
100% FREE laboratory calorie testing for your dishes
Save money and reduce future reporting costs
Early access to innovative AI technology
Personal support from the NYU research team
Optional publicity as an innovation partner
What's in it for you?
- We will purchase the dishes you photograph and provide FREE UKAS-accredited laboratory reports showing their calorie content.
- Receive AI-generated calorie estimates to compare with lab results.
- Help build technology designed specifically for independent restaurants.
- Contribute to research that could reduce the future cost and burden of calorie reporting.
- Receive personal support from the NYU research team throughout the study.
What does participation involve?
- 1 Download the study app.
- 2 Complete a short onboarding process with basic business information.
- 3 Watch a brief instructional video.
- 4 Upload photos of selected dishes.
- 5 Provide optional supporting information (e.g., dish name, dimensions, etc.). Share feedback via in-app survey.
From plate to calories in two easy steps
No special equipment beyond your phone. Here's what uploading a dish looks like.
Snap a dish
- Place the dish on a flat, well-lit surface.
- Place a bank-card-sized reference card next to the dish.
- Take a photo of the entire dish at a 45-degree angle.
- Provide additional information (optional) and submit the photo.
See AI results
- Review the AI-generated results.
- Provide quick feedback, if you wish.
- Save the results for your records.
Independent small and medium-size food businesses
That sell one or more of the following:
Pizza
Margherita; Pepperoni
Burger and Chips
Chicken Burger; Beef Burger
Fish and Chips
Cod and Chips; Sausage and Chips
Chinese
Chicken Chow Mein; Sweet & Sour Chicken with Egg Fried Rice
Indian
Chicken Tikka Masala with Rice; Chicken Korma with Garlic Naan
Join us in building a healthier, more transparent future for the food industry.
Accurate calorie information can build customer trust, support healthier choices, and position your business as a leader in food transparency. Together, we can make healthy eating easier for everyone.
Join UsCommon questions
What is the UKcal research study?
We are developing an AI app for estimating the calorie content of out-of-home meals from images. We are seeking feedback from small and medium-size food businesses in the United Kingdom.
Is there any cost?
No. This is a fully funded research study. There's no cost to your business. It is 100% free. We will purchase your dishes and provide FREE UKAS-accredited laboratory reports of calorie measurement.
What happens to the information provided?
The information provided will be used to evaluate the app and improve its performance and user experience. Individual responses or business-specific information will not be shared in an identifiable form with any individual or entity and will be used for aggregate analysis and evaluation.
How do I get started?
Click "Register Now" to fill out the short form, or email ukcal@nyu.edu for any information. Our team will follow up with next steps.
Do I need any special equipment?
No. A phone camera is all you need. For best accuracy, keep the dish on a flat, well-lit surface and place a bank-card-sized reference card next to it.
Have a question about the study?
Email us at ukcal@nyu.edu and our team will get back to you.