Restaurants Should Be Emphasizing Protein Rich Takeout Menu Options
In many countries around the world, where meat is expensive to produce or import, the regional diets may reflect a higher plant-based diet and lower animal-sourced proteins. In the United States, there is a perception that Americans eat too many animal-based proteins, but a recent study shared by Harvard Health revealed some startling facts.
Did you know that the average American drives about 16% of their dietary daily calories from protein? The general public consensus that we eat too much protein on a daily basis is actually not true. Many convenience foods are not high in protein, and with an increasingly busy lifestyle, people are spending less time at home cooking balanced meals and more time ‘on the go’ consuming convenience snacks or fast food. Sources that are typically high-carbohydrate and higher in saturated fats, and low protein.
There are other health factors that can actually limit the number of proteins that people can absorb, even from a rich and balanced diet. When you are considering balancing your foodservice menu, consider promoting protein-rich entrees and appetizers that appeal to health-conscious Millennials and consumers.
How Much Protein Should Humans Consume Daily for Good Health?
The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for protein is calculated as 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram (2.205 pounds) of body weight. So that means an adult weighing about 160 pounds should be consuming 58.048 grams of protein per day, from all dietary sources.
Protein presents itself in our daily diet in a number of ways. Some are from meat proteins like beef, chicken, pork, and turkey, while other proteins are derived from tofu, edamame, chickpeas, nutritional yeast, and other nutritional sources.
The cultural shift to high protein and low-carbohydrate meals continues in the United States, with the popular Keto (ketogenic) diet, Atkins, and other low glucose eating models. Because individuals who rely more on protein sources versus a carbohydrate-rich diet tend to manage a healthy body weight easier, restaurants in the United States need to consider entrée and appetizer options that fit these nutritional trends and preferences.
Some fast-casual restaurants have started adding a ‘Keto-Friendly’ section to their menu, with entrees that reflect an animal protein-rich selection, with zero net carbs in terms of the side dish. Meat without the potatoes, and delicious meals that focus on proteins and healthy fats in compliance with the ketogenic dietary requirements.
What can a restaurant serve as a side dish to high protein and zero carbohydrate entrees? These vegetables are actually rated as ketogenic friendly and can be incorporated as side dishes or garnishes for high-protein meals.
- Asparagus
- Spinach
- Broccoli
- Kale
- Green beans
- Celery
- Cabbage
- Mushrooms
- Cauliflower
- Green peppers
- Arugula
- Fresh chards
- Cucumbers
- Rutabaga
- Kohlrabi
- Watercress
- Bok Choy
- Celeriac
- Radishes
- Bamboo shoots
- Turnips
The preparation method for both proteins and side dishes that are low carbohydrate matters. On the ketogenic diet, for instance, butter is not restricted. High-fat sauces like Bearnaise are also permitted on the diet and can be used generously in an entrée. Wine and fruit-based sauces can be too high in carbohydrates; many individuals on the ketogenic diet eat less than 50 carbohydrates per day.
Are High Protein and Low Carbohydrate Entrees the Secret to Increasing Takeout Demand?
Do you limit your takeout menu? Some restaurants provide a redacted version of their menu, selecting foods that are fast to prepare, and meals that will retain heat, freshness, and quality for delivery or customer pick-up.
What would happen if you added some new high-protein options to your takeout or delivery menu? If you focused on highlighting healthy and balanced meals, that would be equivalent to a meal prepared at home, would that entice a larger number of customers to order ahead?
Restaurant chains like Panera that focus on quality ingredients and nutrition are definitely winning the drive-through and takeout war against other foodservice businesses. Not only does Panera appeal to the informed consumer who wants to eat healthier, but they also dominate the takeout order market, particularly for meetings and conference catering, with healthy protein-rich sandwiches, soup, and salad offerings.
Chipotle is another leader in fast-casual (almost fast food) offerings for consumers because they are transparent about the raw ingredients that go into every burrito and delicious bowl or salad they make. They also offer keto-friendly alternatives to the popular burrito, that doesn’t skimp on the quantity or the quality, but omits the carbohydrates and extra calories of the tortilla.
For example, the burrito bowl contains a hardy portion of grilled steak, brown rice (higher in fiber and healthier than white rice), black beans (extra fiber and legume proteins), lettuce and other vegetables. Not to mention a generous portion of guacamole (avocado) and healthy fats.
One of the secrets to the success of Chipotle also is the speed with which they assemble a custom meal for takeout. It is a high-speed assembly line of delicious mouth-watering ingredients that you know are healthy. On average, it can take less than two minutes for a patron to receive their custom burrito or burrito bowl order. The convenience of takeout without the compromise of buying unhealthy food.
Chick-Fil-A is yet another popular chain that doesn’t hold back on the amount of protein provided in their chicken sandwiches. Did you know that the grilled chicken sandwich contains 29 grams of protein and 3 grams of fiber? And it is only 310 calories per sandwich. Now you know why there is always such a long line at the drive-thru for Chick-Fil-A!
One of the takeaway lessons that we can learn from these successful franchises, is that high protein entrees are always a popular choice for consumers. And when you are a restaurant or foodservice establishment that provides healthy high-protein meals, you should be transparent about it, and share that information with your customers. Because it is definitely an opportunity to attract consumers who are informed about healthy eating and looking to make better choices when cooking at home isn’t an option.