Consumers don’t share the same definition of healthy eating. Furthermore, a single consumer’s definition of healthy eating is likely to change overtime. That’s the case for about a quarter of consumers who strongly agree that their definitions of health changed between 2018 and 2020, according to a Technomic report.
The biggest shift in recent years has been a move from pursuing rapid weight loss to establishing holistic habits that improve overall health and wellness. For chefs, the takeaway is that menu items with nutrients and other health benefits are more desirable than items with low carb and calorie counts. Go for ingredients that boost specific functions of consumers’ bodies and minds.
Gut Goodness
In recent years, gut health has moved up in wellness priorities. The pandemic has only added to this focus, as consumers look to boost their immune systems. 70 percent of immune cells live in the gut.
Ingredients that promote gut health aren’t just functional; they add zing and umami to a variety of foods and beverages. Miso-glazed fish with seaweed salad makes for a delicious entree. Kefir and kombucha are probiotic drinks that come in several flavors and can be made into refreshing smoothies and mocktails. Pickled vegetables act as colorful garnishes that add acidity to sandwiches and salads.
Stress-Shrinking Snacks
As people take a more holistic approach to wellness, they’re being more thoughtful about how their diets impact their anxiety. Consumers are trying to add functional ingredients that help reduce stress. But pigging out is still a common response to stress, as we saw in the past year. 88 percent of adults said they’ve been snacking more during the pandemic.
By offering snacks with functional ingredients designed to curb anxiety, restaurants can help consumers satisfy cravings without enabling bad habits. Create a stress-busting trail mix with dried oranges, cashews, and chocolate pieces. Quench thirsts and lower anxiety with citrus pistachio smoothies.
Familiar Functionality
With widespread labor shortages, now might not be the best time for some restaurants to teach their waitstaff how to pronounce tempeh or explain aquafaba to diners. But a restaurant isn’t limiting itself by delaying its furikake menu debut. Plenty of familiar ingredients offer the health benefits consumers are seeking.
Salmon and avocado, for example, are two healthy ingredients known to virtually everyone. Serve them together in sandwiches, salads, bowls, toasts, and sushi rolls. Top with capers, pickled onions, and aioli to maximize flavor.
Your Sourcing Solution
For today’s consumers, health isn’t about thinner waistlines; it’s about holistic wellness. Chefs don’t have to sacrifice taste for functionality. Dot Foods offers food and beverage ingredients bursting with flavor and nutritious value.
Move forward with functionality—find healthy items on our website.