Expect to see more healthful menu items, for children and adults, in more restaurants this year.
Restaurateurs at the NRA Show are investigating soy products, gluten-free items,individually packed fruit and healthful snack packs, according to exhibitors and attendees.
"We've been doing a lot of tasting with restaurants and educating chefs and restaurateurs about our products," says Steve Zimmerman, food service sales manager, Dr. Praeger's Sensible Foods. The company offers vegetable burgers, potato-crusted fish sticks, small pocket sandwiches, dinosaur-shaped vegetable patties and more. All are gluten free, which Zimmerman sees as the "biggest thing going forward."
California Tortilla of Rockville, Md., is investigating healthful items for kids meals, as well as meat alternatives to expand its vegetarian offerings. The company receives a lot calls from customers asking for tofu, says marketing vice president Stacey Kane, who sampled vegetarian breakfast patties and imitation chicken strips made by Garden Protein International. The company wants strips that be blackened and used in the company's signature burrito when customers want a vegetarian version.
Kane also visited Summer Fresh Salads, which makes Dora the Explorer and Sponge Bob-brand snack packs. California Tortilla is interested in using the hummus and flatbread packages as alternatives to chips and queso "if parents opt for that."
Woodbridge, Ontario-based Summer Fresh Salads introduced the hummus and flatbread snackpacks in April, as well as a veggie dip version. The inside label features a fun coloring activity.
"Everyone is really excited about them," says Deborah Morgan, service accounts manager.
It's fantastic that gluten-free products are being offered on a more regular basis. It truly makes it much easier for people like myself and family to dine out safely. I just hope that when facilities get a gluten-free product in, that they know how to prevent cross-contamination on all levels to keep it gluten-free. Thanks!
Carla Carter
www.healthysystemsconsulting.com
Posted by: Carla Carter | June 03, 2009 at 08:12 AM