You may have recently noticed a red and white check mark printed next to certain food and drink items at your favourite eateries.
This is the “MyChoice” logo, a Health Ministry initiative aimed at making dining out in Malaysia healthier.
Tea chain Chagee, now the first freshly prepared tea beverage brand to join the programme, has brought renewed attention to the scheme. Here’s what the logo means, how it works, and why it matters.
The MyChoice (Pilihanku) logo helps customers identify healthier food and beverage options when eating out. Participation is voluntary — food operators who meet strict nutritional standards can apply to display the logo next to qualifying menu items.
The initiative encourages better consumer awareness and encourages restaurants to offer healthier options.
To qualify, freshly made beverages must typically contain 5g of sugar or less per 100ml and be under 120 kcal per serving.
For set meals, the criteria include:
- 500 kcal or below
- No more than 650mg of sodium
- At least one serving of vegetables
Participating outlets must also provide calorie and nutrient information for certified items.
The MyChoice logo represents the Healthier Dining Programme (HDP), which extends the long-running Healthier Choice Logo (HCL) — seen on packaged food — to freshly prepared meals and drinks.
As of September 2025, 12 restaurant operators had joined the HDP, among them OldTown White Coffee, Salad Atelier and IKEA Malaysia.
With Malaysians frequently eating out, meals prepared outside tend to be higher in sugar, fat and sodium — key contributors to obesity and non-communicable diseases.
The MyChoice logo provides an easy way for consumers to identify healthier choices instantly. By looking for the red check mark, diners can make better decisions for themselves and their families in real time.
