TLDR
Restaurants, it's time to get on board with the latest health trends. By 2023, experts predict that the following five trends will be the norm when it comes to what we order off of your menus.
Are you ready? Buckle up, because here we go!
More Plant-Based Options: Increasing Variety in Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine
As vegetarian and vegan diets become more popular, people are looking for more variety in their food options. This is great news for restaurants, as it opens up the possibility of incorporating more plant-based items into their menus.
You can see this trend at work in the proliferation of plant-based options on foodservice menus. The days of having just one or two token vegetarian dishes are long gone. These days, you can find an array of delicious vegan and vegetarian dishes that will satisfy everyone at your table.
So what does this mean for your restaurant? If you're not already offering plant-based fare, it's time to start planning some new items for your menu. The trend is only going to continue to grow in popularity, so you'll want to stay ahead of the curve.
Economical Eats: Harnessing Low-Cost Ingredients to Create Healthy Dishes
In these uncertain times, diners are looking for value-driven menus that don't compromise on taste or healthfulness. Restaurants can answer this demand by turning to healthy, low-cost ingredients that will allow them to create delicious and nutritious dishes.
Some of our favorites include pulses (beans, lentils, and peas), seasonal vegetables, and whole grains. These ingredients are not only affordable, but they're also nutritious and versatile. They can be used to make everything from soups and salads to entrees and desserts.
So don't be afraid to get creative in the kitchen! With a little ingenuity, you can create healthy, delicious meals that your diners will love.
Food Good for Your Gut: What Is Prebiotic and Probiotic Eating?
It's no secret that the food we eat has a profound effect on our overall health and well-being. In fact, we're seeing an increased focus on gut health in the restaurant industry, and for good reason.
Prebiotic and probiotic eating focuses on promoting a healthy gut microbiome. This is done by eating foods that are rich in prebiotic fibers, which are the "food" for probiotics. These good bacteria help keep our intestines healthy and functioning properly.
Some of the most popular probiotic foods include yogurt, kefir, kimchi and sauerkraut. And in 2023, we'll see even more restaurants incorporating prebiotic and probiotic items into their menus.
In addition to eating probiotic-rich foods, digestive enzyme supplementation will also be popular in 2023. Enzymes are essential for breaking down food so that our bodies can absorb the nutrients we need. So if you're looking to make a big leap into healthier eating in 2023, be sure to look for restaurants that are incorporating prebiotic and probiotic eating trends into their menus.
Natural Sweeteners: Replacing Artificial Sugars With Healthier Alternatives
The next trend your restaurant can focus on is natural sweeteners. With health-conscious consumers watching what they eat and paying more attention to food labels, restaurants need to make sure that their menu items are avoiding artificial sweeteners and incorporating natural ones instead. Natural sweeteners such as maple syrup, coconut sugar, organic, and raw sugars are gaining popularity as they provide a healthier alternative. In fact, the Global Artificial Sweetener Market is expected to reach US$ 9.35 Billion by 2028—implying a rising demand for natural sweeteners.
Rather than using artificial syrups or sugars, restaurants should go for whole food-based ingredients to satisfy their customers’ sweet cravings. They can combine fruits with spices or herbs such as cinnamon, nutmeg and vanilla beans to create a delicious concoction without having to rely on high-sugar options like white granulated sugar or corn syrup. They can even add an extra layer of flavor by adding honey or molasses in place of refined sugar. The idea is to offer lower sugar content options with natural sweeteners that will not only satisfy cravings but also provide nutritional benefits!
Mocktails: Refreshing Alcohol-Free Cocktails Everyone Can Enjoy
Mocktails have taken the beverage industry by storm. These non-alcoholic cocktails are all the rage and are becoming increasingly popular, especially as people look for healthier beverage options. Mocktails can mimic the look, taste and ingredients of traditional cocktails while being alcohol-free. It’s no wonder that these options are becoming increasingly popular, as they offer an alternative to their alcoholic counterparts.
Mocktails provide complexity and flavor to drinks without the alcohol, making them appealing to a wide range of people. Restaurants can create complex mocktail recipes using fresh fruit juices, purees, syrups, herbs, spices and more. Plus, since these cocktails are “mock” versions of classic drinks, they’re often much cheaper than their alcoholic counterparts due to fewer ingredients. Mocktails can be served both as individual drinks or large batches for groups – perfect for any restaurant catering to both adults and children!
Conclusion
So what does this mean for the restaurant industry? In short, menus that cater to a variety of dietary needs and preferences. We’ll see more plant-based options, economical eats, and food good for your gut. Natural sweeteners will become more popular, and Mocktails will continue to gain in popularity.