Year after year, Americans pledge to lose weight and eat healthier. As the pandemic shapes upcoming New Year’s resolutions, consumers will take healthy eating habits to another level in 2021.
People looking to get back to their pre-COVID waistlines, boost their immune systems, or reduce their meat intake will scan menus for nutritious offerings. Follow these tips to provide the nourishing food and beverages diners are looking for to start their year right.
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Soups are a hot canvas for vegetables and nutritious food, making them perfect for January menus. Fermented and pickled ingredients like miso and pickled vegetables improve gut health while adding an extra tang to soup.
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Sweet potatoes give chefs an opportunity to provide leaner fare without abandoning comfort food. Serve healthier versions of sweet potato sides or use it in vegan pizza and quiche crusts.
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Ancient grains are an opportunity to bring creativity, variety, and SKU optimization to the menu. Adventurous foodies and health-minded eaters alike are moving beyond rice to try out quinoa, farro, and amaranth. These grains are full of nutrients and can be used across the menu, from sides to food bowls.
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Though not always high in nutritional value, plant-based meat allows consumers to achieve an increasingly common New Year’s resolution: lessen environmental impact. Many of the consumers trying plant-based meat for the first time are from households with children. Having plant-based burgers and chicken nuggets on the kids’ menu could entice parents who are trying to diversify their children’s diets.
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Given the difficulty of this year, it’s no surprise that consumers are interested in developing eating habits that improve physical as well as mental health. Some foods proven to boost mental health include salmon, dark leafy greens, and legumes.
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For 57 percent of global consumers, the pandemic has raised concerns about their immunity. Adding citrus, ginger, turmeric, and other immunity-boosting ingredients can enhance both the nutritional value and flavor of beverages.
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Moon milk—which is essentially a spiced, warm milk—is both nourishing and comforting in winter months. Experiment with plant-based milks, spices, purées, powders, and honey to develop a distinct blend.
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Reducing alcohol consumption is another common resolution. With interest in low and no ABV drinks growing over 332 percent in five years, increased demand for non-alcoholic beverages goes well beyond Dry January. Put as much attention into the mocktail menu as the cocktail menu to capitalize on this growing trend.
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Kombucha’s presence on U.S. menus has grown 317 percent in four years according to Datassential SNAP! Fermented juices, kefir, and other fermented drinks and ingredients are riding kombucha’s coattails. Experiment with fermentation to create bold alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages that help consumers increase their probiotic intake.
Serving healthy menu items to kick off the new year is great, but not if diners aren’t sure what’s good for them. With diets and food fads coming and going all the time, consumers second guess their eating choices. One survey found that eight in 10 people have encountered conflicting information about what they should be eating.