Menu Innovation for the Health Conscious Customer

Healthy eating is becoming more than a trendy fad in the modern era. In fact, according to a recent survey, 70 percent of consumers want to be healthier in their daily lives. About half of all consumers are trying to prioritize healthy eating, illustrating a massive shift in how people see their relationship with food.

Fortunately, foodservice operators can use this trend by creating healthier menus with fresh ingredients. These options can help increase sales and improve the bottom line, and customers benefit from improving their well-being.

Understanding the Health-Conscious Consumer

One of the main challenges for people trying to eat healthily is the lack of delicious options. All too often, a health-conscious menu seems less indulgent than something that favors sugar, salt, and fat.

So, the best way to cater to those who want to become healthier is to bridge the gap. One option is to create healthier alternatives to standard menu options. For example, operators can use cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice bowls and add more vegetables. Similarly, instead of using meat as a main ingredient, many tofu or plant-based meat alternatives are growing in popularity. 

This way, consumers can still enjoy their favorite foods with a healthier flair. Not only do they get a similar enjoyment out of their meal, but they can also feel better physically and emotionally. In a best-case scenario, eating off a healthier menu can feel like cheating because each dish tastes so good.

Additionally, operators can offer low-calorie or healthy alternatives to specific items. For example, a customer can order fresh vegetables instead of French fries. Customers can be as healthy as they want by having multiple options without sacrificing their taste preferences.

The Impact of Menu Innovation

One of the best ways for foodservice businesses to stand out is to create innovative menu options. While following and leveraging new food trends can be helpful, true innovation means leading the pack.

However, it can be challenging for chefs or operators to focus on innovation if they're already successful. After all, if the current system isn't broken, why fix it? Well, there are some tangible benefits to innovating a menu, even if it's already popular.

First, adding new and creative menu items can increase the brand's market share. For example, adding a healthier meal option might bring in a new crowd that might have yet to pay attention. Similarly, innovative dishes with visual flair can make it easier for a restaurant or business to go viral on social media. Sometimes, one trending video of a new item can be all it takes to increase sales.

Finally, the advantage of constant innovation is that it makes the business more adaptable in the face of new challenges. Once the culture of innovation has taken hold, a business can shift its focus based on other factors, such as consumer trends, supply chain shortages, or economic fluctuations.

Leveraging Kitchen Equipment for Healthier Options

In a commercial kitchen, innovation is just one part of the equation. Chefs and operators can be as creative as they like, but they can only turn their ideas into reality with the right equipment.

Fortunately, Pro Reps West can connect operators to the manufacturers and suppliers they need to establish an innovative kitchen. Whether high-tech food storage options or automation that reduces labor costs, the best foodservice equipment helps build a solid foundation.

Even if an operator is still determining their future needs, PRW can help them discover options to turn their kitchen into a state-of-the-art food laboratory. With the right tools, healthy menu innovation is no longer a challenge but a call to action.

Discover the best equipment for the best menu innovations - schedule time in our test kitchen, The Wedge, to get started: