Functional ingredients, plant-based dishes, reducetarianism, flexitarianism, climavorism—these words are taking over food blogs as concerns for health and the environment become top of mind for consumers.
But doesn’t it get overwhelming?
So much has been weighing on consumers’ minds. In 2021, the rate of depression among U.S. adults climbed to nearly 33 percent. Eating more salmon and spinach might be a smart way to combat stress, but sometimes people just want a big bowl of chili cheese fries with onions, bacon, jalapenos, sour cream…. Is your mouth watering yet?
Consumers need a break from saving the environment and working on their health. From time to time, diners should just pig out on indulgence smothered with wackiness. Restaurants can satisfy these wild cravings by menuing over-the-top pick-me-ups.
Carnival Treats
Vendors at carnivals, state fairs, and amusement parks know that the secret to making anything better is to deep fry it and put it on a stick. Who says that same approach doesn’t work at restaurants?
Funnel cakes, corn dogs, and other fair foods are crowd pleasers, but restaurants can take them to the next level. Top funnel cakes with traditional Monte Cristo fillings, or use them in place of cookies in ice cream sandwiches. Anything from Kobe beef to shrimp can be transformed into a corn dog. Serve with elevated dipping sauces, like mustard aioli or sweet chili sauce.
Nostalgia Trips
In recent years, the internet has been abuzz with nostalgia for Lunchables, Gushers, and French Toast Crunch. Apparently, that nostalgia has also swept up my coworkers. When I asked them to share some ’80s and ’90s foods and beverages they missed, I was immediately flooded with responses: Dunkaroos, Surge, Tang.
To cash in on the craze, some restaurants have found creative ways to incorporate blasts from the past into their menu offerings. Think donuts topped with retro cereal, new takes on dunkable cookies, pizza rolls with more sophisticated flavors. Putting familiar brand names in titles of menu offerings also provides instant intrigue.
Nostalgia isn’t just about using ingredients from decades past. Make consumers feel like kids again with rainbow sprinkles, condiment-drawn smiley faces, the surprising sensation of popping candies, or extra gooey grilled cheese.
Fanciful Creations
More is more is more. Bigger portions, extra toppings, and brighter colors are hard to resist for diners looking for a fun time, as evidenced by freak shakes and Bloody Marys with a buffet’s worth of toppings.
But it’s not just about quantity. Using unexpected ingredients and inventive mashups to create indulgent, quality offerings will not only bring customers in the door but keep them coming back. Chefs can experiment with za’atar seasoning on loaded fries, unicorn sundaes with a vibrant base of purple ube gelato, or stuffed sushi quesadillas.
As chefs let their imaginations run wild, it’s important to stick to familiar foundations. Cookies, pizzas, fries—culinary teams can build off these comfort foods to create something spectacular.
Your Sourcing Solution
There’s no such thing as too much cheese, too much chocolate, and too much fun. Playful, over-the-top menu items can turn a meal into an experience that brightens a diner’s day. Our website has just what you need to liven up your menu.
Have fun exploring decadent desserts, savory snacks, and more trending products.