Lighter
choices
With warmer weather on the horizon, salad dishes are set to increase in demand; provision of interesting and exotic salad options on a menu also helping to address the rising interest in healthier, and vegetarian, meal offerings. CONVENIENCE AND VARIETY “As the weather begins to warm up, many consumers will be on the lookout for salads to complete their BBQ or picnic, as a lighter lunch or a handy grab and go option. Today’s consumers are seeking convenience and variety as much as they’re looking for quality and value,” says Rachel Shoosmith, marketing manager at Creative Foods, a manufacturer, importer and supplier of a vast range of both branded and bespoke products for the UK foodservice, wholesale and retail sectors. “The increasing popularity of vegan and vegetarian diets, along with ease of consumption on the go, are the main factors driving the growth of salads. Containing a range of vegetables and fruits, and supplemented by a choice of meats and seafood if preferred, salads are popular because they provide a natural source of fibre and nutrients. During the pandemic, pre-packed salads became a way of life for many consumers with the packaging acting as a barrier that not only protects the food but also preserves its freshness and flavour. “We expect to see many of the pandemic eating trends to continue, with meal preparation all about ease and convenience balanced with taste and quality. Not only can grab and 34 I www.sandwichandfoodtogonews.co.uk
go salads relieve some of the labour shortages operators are facing, they are also a format that consumers have come to expect due to their convenience. “Also, after a lot of time spent preparing meals at home, many consumers are actively looking for ways to put meals on the table quickly. Busy consumers can pick up a grab and go salad to use as a side for family dinners, taking a step out of the preparation process whilst simultaneously providing more meal variety.” TRAVEL THE WORLD With the pandemic having also caused restrictions and disruption to travel, salads provide the ultimate platform for consumers to travel the world with every bite, remind Creative Foods (the Food People having identified that both Korean and Japanese cuisines are growing at pace, in turn providing an opportunity for operators to provide more of these global flavours through salads in particular). “While traditional deli salads such as tuna, chicken, egg and seafood remain popular, the category growth is occurring in globally inspired flavours and plant-based options,” observes Rachel Shoosmith. “Plant-based is one of the fastest growing categories, with meat-free
product sales rising by 16.3% (£92.5m) to £659.9m (the Grocer, 2021). A recent survey by the Vegan Society and BOSH! saw 37% of Brits saying that they have actively reduced or removed animal products from their diet in the last five years. 28% said they have cut back on meat or only eat meat-free products, whilst 19% have reduced their dairy intake or are dairy-free. Therefore, it is important that caterers offer a range of vegan salads, sandwiches and wraps to cater for these consumers too. “Our chefs at Creative Foods have suggested using our new Harvest Farms Plant-based Southern Fried Goujons (main picture) in a salad as a way to add flavour and excitement to the dish. We also have a high quality Oasis Luxury Vegan Mayo in our range, which consumers can enjoy with their salad safe in the knowledge that it is vegan. “In addition, Tabasco® Green Pepper Sauce is mild, zesty and made with jalapeno peppers, and can turn a good salad into a great salad. You can also mix it with mustard to create a delicious tangy salad dressing. Not only can such sauces add an element of heat to a salad, it is also vegan and therefore on-trend in multiple ways.” Creative Foods are also helping to take the pressure off operators via their Love Fresh range of salads
