Fresh Starts: Foodservice Operators Revamp Menus for the New Year
As the calendar flips to a new year, many foodservice operators are seizing the opportunity to refresh their menus. They are introducing delightful innovations that cater to evolving consumer preferences, emphasizing health, convenience, and indulgence. In this vibrant culinary landscape, iconic brands like Peet’s Coffee, Subway, and Paris Baguette are leading the charge with exciting new offerings.
Peet’s Coffee Expands with Protein Smoothies
One of the standout players in this new menu trend is Peet’s Coffee, a subsidiary of JDE Peet’s, renowned for quality beverages. They’ve unveiled an expansion of their Vitality menu, introducing three new protein smoothies that are sure to entice health-conscious customers looking to kick-start their year with nutritious options.
Each smoothie is formulated with banana puree and whey protein for a wholesome touch. The varieties include a cold brew smoothie packed with 16 grams of protein, a matcha peach variety boasting 19 grams of protein, and a strawberry option with 18 grams. This focus on protein aligns perfectly with a growing trend towards nutrient-rich foods.
Katie Keil, Chief Marketing Officer at Peet’s, expressed excitement about the new offerings, saying, “As our customers reset for the new year, we’re excited to continue to bring beverage offerings that are both protein-powered and delicious.” The emphasis on flavor alongside nourishment is key, ensuring that customers don’t have to sacrifice enjoyment for health.
Additionally, Peet’s has partnered with Táche, a maker of pistachio milk, to introduce a unique pistachio rose latte and a pistachio matcha latte. This collaboration highlights the brand’s commitment to innovation and the growing popularity of alternative milks, blending creamy textures with delightful flavors.
Subway’s Protein Pockets for Convenience
Another brand redefining its menu is Subway, which has introduced a new line of protein pockets aimed at consumers seeking convenience without compromising on nutritional value. These grab-and-go tortilla wraps are designed with busy lifestyles in mind and pack over 20 grams of protein per serving.
The protein pockets come in tempting varieties, including baja chicken, peppercorn ranch chicken, Italian trio, and turkey and ham. This emphasis on portable, protein-rich options caters to a demographic that is increasingly focused on maintaining a healthy diet while on the move.
Dave Skena, Chief Marketing Officer, North America, for Subway, points to the necessity of protein in diets while acknowledging the barriers many face in accessing it. “Getting more protein in their diet is important to so many people, but all too often that protein is expensive or fried,” he noted. Subway’s approach aims to provide a cost-effective, healthier alternative, ensuring guests can enjoy quick meals that support their nutritional goals.
Paris Baguette’s Sweet and Salty Delights
On the sweeter side of the spectrum, Paris Baguette is bringing a delightful twist with its new salted caramel pretzel collection. Available until early March, this collection showcases an inventive blend of sweet and salty flavors, creating a cozy treat ideal for the winter season.
The salted caramel pretzel lineup includes a variety of handcrafted offerings such as croissant crisps, supreme croissants, king cream donuts, and beverages like lattes and matcha lattes. Cathy Chavenet, Chief Marketing Officer at Paris Baguette North America, captures the essence of this seasonal offering, emphasizing its cozy appeal. “As we step into the new year, we’re bringing the coziness of the season to our guests with a new sweet-and-salty lineup,” she said.
These items are not only treats; they are crafted experiences meant to warm guests’ hearts and appeal to their senses, inviting them to slow down and savor the moment. The combination of flavors reflects a broader trend towards indulgence that many are seeking during the colder months.
Conclusion
The new menu offerings from Peet’s Coffee, Subway, and Paris Baguette illustrate the broader movements within the food industry as operators adapt to consumer trends. From healthy and protein-rich options to indulgent sweet treats, these innovations highlight a dynamic culinary landscape eager to meet the diverse needs of today’s diners. In this era of reinvention, the foodservice industry continues to thrive, proving that great dishes can indeed lead to fresher starts.
