Editor's note: This article appeared in the February 22, 2010, edition of Quirk's e-newsletter.

Despite McDonald's foray into the healthy-eating market with its premium salads, apple slices, skim milk and Gatorade options, more consumers trust Subway's nutritional claims than all other popular quick-service restaurants (QSR). According to a study from Decision Analyst, a Dallas research company, when it comes to craving fresh and nutritious, Subway is the leader in consumer trust with almost one-quarter of consumers saying they completely trust its nutritional claims.

How much do consumers consider nutrition and healthy choices when they select their fast-food restaurants? Study results indicate that 42 percent of Subway customers choose this restaurant because it has a good selection of healthy items, compared with only 3 percent of Taco Bell consumers who select this restaurant for its healthy menu.

"Subway owns the nutritional claim relative to its competition, as there is a significant gap between Subway and these other popular fast-food/quick-service restaurants. In fact, Subway is the only one of these restaurants with more people who completely trust their nutritional claims than do not trust them," says Diane Brewton, senior vice president, market intelligence, Decision Analyst.

Among other QSRs, 12.1 percent of Chick-fil-A customers completely trust the restaurant's nutrition claims; 11.1 percent of Quizno's customers; 10.5 percent of Wendy's customers; 8.4 percent of KFC customers; and 7.5 percent of Taco Bell customers.