Restaurants Show Growth in Soup and Salad Menu Items, Finds Technomic

CHICAGO, March 26, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Away-from-home soup and salad purchases are on the rise, as consumers seek light, healthy and affordable fare.  A variety of portion sizes featuring soup/salad options on different areas of the menu allows consumers to tailor their meal specifically to their needs.  Whether it's a cup or bowl, side or entree, 62 percent of consumers now order soup at least occasionally during restaurant visits, up from 43 percent just two years ago.  Salads have also increased, 76 percent of consumers now occasionally purchase salad away from home compared to 66 percent.

"Healthy options and portion variety are driving factors in today's soup and salad menu positioning," says Technomic Director of Consumer Research Sara Monnette. "Operators are revamping their menus in response to consumer demand for soup and salad as a standalone entree, side substitution, an appetizer, or a component of a combo meal.  There are many menu variations in which soups/salads are now offered."

To help operators and others aligned with the foodservice industry more effectively identify opportunities for growth and gain a competitive advantage, Technomic has developed the Canadian Left Side of the Menu: Soup and Salad Consumer Trend Report

Interesting findings include:

• Soup and salad are the two most common appetizers at both limited-service restaurants (LSRs) and full-service restaurants (FSRs). 
• Salads are the third most frequently menued entree at LSRs and rank fourth at FSRs.  Chicken-topped salads are the leading entree variety offered at FSRs, followed by Caesar while Caesar salads are leading entree variety at LSRs.
• Interest in healthier, lighter fare is driving increases for both soup and salad.  78 percent of consumers who are purchasing salads more often say they're seeking a healthier option and 49 percent want something lighter.
• A strong majority (53 percent) of consumers strongly agree that dressings are a key component, if not the key component of a tasty salad. The overall variety of options and flavors offered trumps healthfulness and brand names as purchase drivers.

Technomic's Canadian Left Side of the Menu: Soup & Salad Consumer Trend Report examines soup and salad consumption, purchasing behavior, attitudes and preferences of more than 1,000 consumers. The Menu Insights section utilizes Technomic's MenuMonitor online database to provide in-depth look at soup and salad menu trends at the Top 250 limited- and full-service restaurants. Additionally, data from Technomic's 2009 Canadian Left Side of the Menu Consumer Trend Report series is discussed throughout the report to provide a benchmark for many of the menu and consumer trends that will be discussed.  Appendices to this report include detailed concept and menu profiles for 10 emerging and innovative soup and salad concepts.

To purchase or learn more about this report please visit Technomic.com or contact one of the individuals listed below.

Contacts

Press Inquiries: Sara Monnette, 312-506-3848, or [email protected]
Purchasing Details: Patrick Noone, 312-506-3852, or [email protected]
Report Details: Kelly Weikel, 312-506-3830, or [email protected]

About Technomic

Technomic provides clients with the facts, insights and consulting support they need to enhance their business strategies, decisions and results. Its services include numerous publications and digital products, as well as proprietary studies and ongoing research on all aspects of the food industry.

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SOURCE Technomic