Menu items with descriptions that reference gluten, cholesterol, sugar and other health-related topics are expanding on restaurant menus as more operators recognize an increasing number of Americans adhere to special diets.

There is no free lunch, they say. But for now, at least, a glass of water is free when people go out to eat, and, increasingly, water is all they are drinking.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued two proposed regulations regarding calorie labeling on menus and menu boards in chain restaurants, retail food establishments, and vending machines.