These on-trend plant-based dishes drive excitement around the menu and can help get patrons seeking different options in your door. Technomic Ignite menu data predicts that plant-based proteins will grow nearly 35% on menus by the end of 2022. It’s safe to say that this trend is here to stay.

Why the switch to meatless? Consumers are looking for healthier, more sustainable options. Some even prefer the taste of plant-based products. Additionally, consumers are getting bored from eating the same thing at home day after day, so they’re looking to try new things when they dine out. There are still some consumers hesitant to try meat substitutes because they perceive these dishes to be bland, but that’s far from the truth. Add a flavorful seasoning or sauce, such as Grill Mates^® Vegetable Seasoning or Cattlemen’s^® Sweet and Bold BBQ Sauce, and you might just turn your patron into a fan.

The meatless trend became mainstream with plant-based proteins, but plant-based is now expanding into different categories such as dairy, egg alternatives, and other products. This gives you lots of opportunities to innovate your menu, whether it’s offering a plant-based burger as an upgrade, swapping out cow’s milk for oat milk, or serving cauliflower pizza. Streamlining your menu may still be top of mind, so you might be hesitant to add new products to your inventory. However, you can start small by adding one or two plant-based ingredients to gauge interest. In today’s market, innovation is vital for success and sets you apart from your competition.

With spring right around the corner and many states starting to lift restaurant dining restrictions, now is the perfect time to review your menu. Make sure you’re offering the variety and innovation that your patrons are seeking to keep traffic flowing into your restaurant. Pair fresh, seasonal plant-based ingredients with bold flavors for a crave-able menu this spring.