Photograph: Perfect Day
Over the last several years, dramatic shifts in both the restaurant industry as well as consumer priorities have changed the way operators run their businesses. Innovative products made with sustainable ingredients have proliferated across various segments for a number of reasons. Supply chain stability and cost of ingredients have both been impacted by the pandemic, and consumer preference for sustainable products made with the future in mind has grown. As a result, some operators have turned to products that are not only better for the planet but also offer them the reliability they need and the taste consumers crave.
Consumer attitudes are shifting
Although a majority of the population does not follow any sort of strict specialized diet—78% of consumers say they allow meat, fish and dairy in their diets, while just 3% say they are vegetarian and don’t eat any meat and 2% do not eat any animal products, according to Technomic’s 2022 Healthy Eating Consumer Trend Report—many consumers are seeking alternatives more frequently. Technomic’s Healthy Eating report finds that overall, 33% of consumers are eating alternative meat and seafood products more often than they did two years ago—with those numbers higher among older generations (44% of boomers and 43% of matures). For operators, the opportunity to appeal to these consumers with products such as egg replacer, milk alternatives and more is big.
Great taste without animal products
As operators move to incorporate more alternative products onto the menu, one of the benefits beyond consumer appeal is price. Price fluctuations for commodities such as dairy and eggs can cause budget concerns, while using alternatives with stable pricing can make forecasting cost per dish more consistent and predictable. Additionally, sustainability—both in supply as well as the environment—is another benefit of using alternatives. As an example, Perfect Day’s Bakery Egg Replacer is readily available and free from animal products, serving as the perfect alternative with everything going on with the egg market. It is formulated to work perfectly in baking applications that require whole eggs. Often, egg replacers don’t offer the same functionality as whole eggs, especially in baking applications, but when choosing a product designed just for that, operators can feel confident knowing their baked goods bake consistently and taste great. Likewise, alternative milk and cream cheese from Perfect Day give operators the flexibility they need to offer sustainable options on the menu without sacrificing an indulgent, rich taste.
Innovative, forward-thinking and sustainable processes
Perfect Day products use precision fermentation to make their protein and its proven to be a more sustainable process; compared to conventional whey protein production, Perfect Day’s process uses less water and emits less greenhouse gases, making it more sustainable for the planet while still delivering the quality consumers want. As more consumers focus on eating foods and patronizing businesses that prioritize sustainability, operators are wise to incorporate these forward-thinking products into their kitchens.
By using sustainable processes to create reliable, delicious ingredients, Perfect Day helps operators make their overall operations more sustainable. With little supply chain worries, no egregious price fluctuations and reliable quality, these foods allow operators to feel confident in the ingredients they are using and the dishes they are serving.
To learn more about how Perfect Day Foods can boost sustainability in restaurants, visit www.perfectday.com/add-perfect-day-to-your-menu/.
This post is sponsored by Perfect Day
