2023 Restaurant Trend: Functional Ingredients
What are Functional Ingredients?
Functional ingredients, or ingredients that provide health benefits beyond basic nutrition, are becoming increasingly popular in restaurants.
One example is turmeric, a spice commonly used in Indian and Middle Eastern cuisine. Turmeric contains curcumin, a powerful antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties. Many restaurants are now incorporating turmeric into dishes such as curries, smoothies, and even lattes.
Another functional ingredient gaining popularity is matcha, a finely ground powder made from green tea leaves. Matcha is high in antioxidants and contains L-theanine, an amino acid that has been shown to promote relaxation and focus. Many restaurants are now offering matcha-based drinks and desserts.
Additionally, probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria that can improve gut health, are being added to dishes such as yogurts and fermented foods.
Incorporating functional ingredients into dishes not only offers health benefits to customers, but also adds unique flavors and visual appeal. As the trend towards wellness continues to grow, we can expect to see more restaurants incorporating functional ingredients into their menus.
Why Functional Ingredients?
Retail Demand
The functional ingredients market is set to explode from 2023 to 2028. A new report predicts the functional ingredient market is forecasted at over $96 million by 2028, representing a 4.5% CAGR (Compounded Annual Growth Rate).
As demand for these types of foods increase in the retail markets, we believe that there’s an opportunity for food service establishments to jump in and capitalize on the trend.
Health Conscious Consumer Choices
Consumer health is at the top of mind. More and more people are starting to view food as medicine, and in turn are becoming more careful with what they put in their body. In 2022, 33% more consumers treated food as medicine when compared to 2020.
As people become more aware of the direct impact unhealthy food has on them, they seek out substitutes that can provide health benefits.
For Restaurants:
This shift in mindfulness and focus on using food to heal represents an opportunity to differentiate yourself. Are you able to swap out one ingredient for something a little more functional or healthy? Can you create an entire dish that’s centered around functional ingredients?
Menu Naming & Descriptions
Leveraging functional ingredients in your menu names and descriptions can be a great way to justify the price of an item.
In one study done by the Department of Agricultural Leadership at Texas A&M University, they found that consumers could pay up to 50% more for functional foods & ingredients.
By highlighting this in your menu and menu descriptions, you might be able to charge a little bit more!
See the image below, this restaurant does a great job of highlighting these the ingredient, and it’s benefit.
List of Functional Ingredients
Here are a few functional ingredients that restaurants can use to add health benefits to their dishes, to capitalize on health conscious human behaviour:
- Flaxseeds: Flaxseeds are high in fiber and omega-3 fatty acids, and they have been shown to have potential health benefits for the heart and digestive system.
- Chlorella: Chlorella is a type of algae that is high in protein, vitamins, and minerals. It has been shown to have potential health benefits for the immune system and detoxification.
- Wheatgrass: Wheatgrass is high in nutrients such as vitamins A, C, and E, and it has been shown to have potential health benefits for the blood, liver, and immune system.
- Goji berries: Goji berries are high in antioxidants and have been shown to have potential health benefits for the eyes, skin, and immune system.
- Acai berries: Acai berries are high in antioxidants and have been shown to have potential health benefits for the heart, brain, and skin.
- Maca: Maca is a root vegetable that is high in nutrients and has been shown to have potential health benefits for the hormones and energy levels.
- Turmeric: Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties and is high in antioxidants.
- Cacao: Cacao is high in antioxidants and has been shown to have potential health
- Kale: Kale is high in nutrients such as vitamins K and C, and it has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Moringa: Moringa is a plant that is high in nutrients such as protein, vitamins, and minerals. It has been shown to have potential health benefits for the immune system and inflammation.
- Hemp seeds: Hemp seeds are high in protein, fiber, and healthy fats, and they have been shown to have potential health benefits for the heart and brain.
- Spirulina: Spirulina is a type of blue-green algae that is high in protein, vitamins, and minerals. It has been shown to have potential health benefits for the immune system and energy levels.
- Chaga mushrooms: Chaga mushrooms are high in antioxidants and have been shown to have potential health benefits for the immune system and inflammation.
- Ashwagandha: Ashwagandha is an herb that has been shown to have potential health benefits for stress, anxiety, and brain function.
- Reishi mushrooms: Reishi mushrooms are high in antioxidants and have been shown to have potential health benefits for the immune system and inflammation.
- Astragalus: Astragalus is an herb that has been shown to have potential health benefits for the immune system and inflammation.
- Quinoa: Quinoa is a plant-based protein that is high in nutrients and has a low glycemic index, making it good for blood sugar control.
These are just a few examples, and there are many other functional ingredients that restaurants can use to add health benefits to their dishes.
Incorporate Functional Ingredients in Your Menu
Incorporating functional ingredients can help a restaurant stand out and attract customers who are looking for healthier options.
As the trend towards wellness continues to grow, offering dishes with functional ingredients can differentiate a restaurant from competitors and appeal to a wider audience.
Think about how your restaurant can incorporate functional ingredients.
