The market research agency, Mintel, has recently announced further expansion of vegetarian, vegan & plant-based menu options as one of the biggest recent food trends
The Trend
According to Pinterest, searches for the word ‘veggies’ in comfort food are up by a staggering 336%. Forbes has gone one step further by declaring vegetarian comfort food as the number one trend for this year.
And it's that willingness to experiment and push the boundaries of what's possible that is making all the difference. From highly breakable bright yellow half shells, to authentic homemade soft tortillas with unconventional toppings, tacos have been completely revolutionised.
As a result, all things green are taking centre plate in many restaurants. Menus are being updated with many more plantbased offerings, shoving animal protein to the edges or off the plate altogether. Plant-based, meat-like foods are gaining popularity and consumers are seeing the emergence of many more establishments offering 'mock-meats'.
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Plant-Based Meat Replacements
Food experts are also hinting at the possible replacement of meat with plant-based foods that smell and taste like real meat. In fact, here in Britain, we already have specialist vegan butchers in the form of Sgaia which makes plant-based meats. Pret a Manger’s vegetarian pop-up in London’s Soho has not only become permanent but is also expanding.
This trend is sure to please the health and sustainability advocates who have long campaigned about the importance of fruit and veg intake into every day meals. The rise in people becoming more health-conscious is definitely aiding the discovery of new vegetarian food options. Restaurants can expect to see new ordering patterns from their customers as they choose healthier options.
For example, McMilan indicates that the consumption of juices may go down as soups start to replace them. Soups, which are considered more fibrous, nutritious, digestive and free of fruit sugar, are generally better alternatives to fruit juices. Operators are also likely to see patterns such as customers ordering mashed cauliflower instead of rice and pasta, or requesting a vegetable crust for a healthier pizza.
Eating your greens is certainly becoming trendy. As consumers are shifting more towards green, there has never been a better time to upgrade your menus and think about the right presentation options to bring some real magic to your vegetarian food.
Shop The Trend
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BI826PE Arborescence Bowl, 16cm - £69.06 (case of 6)
C8921 Preserve Jar, 0.5L - £28.37 (case of 12)
BJ497 Rousseau Rim Soup Bowl, 9” 23cm - £39.00 (case of 12)
BJ495 Rousseau Rim Plate, 12.2” 31cm - £36.90 (case of 6)
BJ712 Stonecast Patina Coupe Plate, 32.4cm - £95.04 (case of 6)
BJ790 Blue Dapple Round Eared Dish, 18.5cm, 7¼"- £152.28 (case of 12)
BJ892 Graphite Mug 40.5cl, 14 ¼oz - £24.60 (case of 6)
BJ887 Eagle Enamel Blue Mug 38cl, 13½oz - £18.00 (case of 6)
For more information on the latest culinary trends, visit our dedicated Trend Set website, and view all of the featured products in the digital copy of this article
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15 March 2024
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