By Julia Nikolaus, Contributor
The rise in health problems has prompted people to be more mindful of their health and what they eat. They want flavorful meals that support their lifestyle without compromising their health.
A study shows that Americans have strong preferences for healthy snacking, largely because of the rampant selling of unhealthy foods. This is an opportunity for restaurant owners to capitalize on the trend and create a healthy menu that aligns with consumers’ evolving perceptions and preferences.
What Does a Healthy Menu Mean?
Crafting a healthy menu doesn’t necessarily mean filling it with salads and greens. While they are the most basic nutritious meals everyone can vouch for, many don’t find them satisfying.
A healthy menu needs to showcase flavorful yet nourishing meals; something the consumers can enjoy and benefit from. However, “healthy” means different things depending on who you ask. The key is to better understand your target market's notions on food and health.
When you design your menu, start with your target market. Research your market's preferences, including their food preferences and favorite trends. Apply whatever you find in your menu, but make sure you stay true to your own theme.
Overhaul Your Existing Menu
You don’t have to replace your entire menu; just update it. According to research, one of the best practices to address demand for and sales of healthy foods is to launch new menus with healthier, tastier options. Reinforce the chances and additions by offering discounts to favor them.
Updating your menu with healthier meals comes in various forms. Choose how you want these changes to be implemented.
Add Vegan and Vegetarian Options
Compared to years ago, more people are adopting plant-based diets for various reasons, including health and ethical considerations. Adding vegan and vegetarian options to your menu will accommodate more customers.
Include dishes made with plant-based meat or meat alternatives. Explore meals that use ingredients such as lentils, tofu, or tempeh.
Offer Lunch-sized Portions for Dinner
Consider offering smaller portions at lower prices. They are perfect for people looking to eat healthier by consuming less.
With this addition to your menu, you allow customers to eat what they want without overspending, both in cash and calories. It is also a cost-effective solution, as smaller portions can reduce food waste.
Add Meals with Leaner Cuts of Meat
Incorporate meals that use leaner cuts of meat, such as pork loin, tenderloin, or sirloin. They offer high-quality protein with lower cholesterol and saturated fat, making them a good fit for customers on strict diets.
Besides using these leaner cuts of meat, you can also consider the following options:
Skinless chicken
Fish without skin
At least 83% lean ground beef
Choose light meat over dark meat
Avoid fats when preparing cuts
Use Healthier Ingredient Alternatives
Explore healthier ingredients to use when preparing the meals in your menu. Consider getting organic groceries and fresh ingredients over processed options that are high in salt, sugar, and saturated fats.
Some examples of the healthier substitute ingredients you can consider are the following:
Whole grains and brown rice over white rice
Fresh produce over packaged foods
Coconut, olive, or peanut oil over vegetable oils rich in polyunsaturated fats (such as canola, soybean, or sunflower oil)
Greek yogurt over sour cream and mayonnaise
Vinegar and oil dressings over creamy and fatty ones
Olive oil over butter
Freshly-squeezed fruit juices (for baked goods, cocktails, entrees, and sauces)
Use low-sodium soy sauce
Do not use salt at all, and choose seasonings, herbs, and spices instead
All these substitutions may be more expensive than your original versions. However, they can serve as an investment in your new customer base. Make the most basic changes so you won’t have to increase your spending.
Include Dietary Details in Your Menu
One way to eat healthier is to count calories, and your customers can only do so if they know the nutritional details of your meals.
When designing your menu, include dietary details of each meal. While it may mean more effort on your end, customers will find the addition more convenient and informative. Your menu will help customers make healthier choices and stay on track with their diets.
Many restaurants have already begun adding these details to their menus. If you haven’t done it yet, it’s best to follow the trend and make the nutritional information of your meals publicly available to the people who matter, your target market.
Stick to Using Healthy Cooking Methods
Some cooking methods are significantly less healthy than others. Choosing a healthier cooking method can significantly improve your meal's balance.
Considering grilling, boiling, and baking over deep frying and sauteing can help you create a healthy meal without losing flavors and nutrients. Make sure to minimize adding fats and oils to keep the meal as natural as possible.
Highlight Healthy Meals on Your Menu
When designing your menu, try to highlight the healthy meals so that customers can easily see them. Add important labels that make it clear what the healthy dishes are, such as the following:
Allergen-friendly
Dairy-free
Gluten-free
Lactose-free
Low-fat
Plant-based
Vegan
Whole Grain
In addition to including detailed dietary information for your menu items, highlighting healthy options can encourage customers to choose them over others. You’re not only helping customers to be more informed, but also promoting healthy eating.
Promote Healthy Dishes on the Menu
Once your menu is set and ready, launch the additions and updates properly. Train your staff to promote healthy dishes you’ve added to the menu.
Besides the basic promotion, you also need to educate your staff on the importance of preparing healthy food. One thing you need to remember is that fresh produce tends to spoil faster, which means that you need to be more aware of the shelf life of these ingredients.
A Healthy Menu Spells a Smart Business
When you craft a healthy menu for your restaurant, it will be a profitable business move. With more people leaning towards being healthier, you can grab this chance and produce healthy menus with meals rich in flavors and nutrients. Launching such a menu can increase repeat visits from your customers and attract vegans and vegetarians in the process.
Healthier menus won’t only improve your brand’s perception but also attract modern consumers, who are more inclined to prioritize health. This shift in consumer behavior can help you get higher sales and guarantee your restaurant's success.
