Food Trend Spotlight: Indian Cuisine December 7, 2021By Jasmine HansonIndian cuisine offers a rich map of flavor, texture, and culinary influences, from the spiced and fragrant curries of the north, to street food in urban centers, to the herbal coconut-milk based dishes of the south. A tried-and-true fit for lentils, Indian cuisine makes a strong showcase for plant-forward dishes with comforting, adventurous, and unique
Food Trend Spotlight: Crumbles, Fillings, and Toppings and Lentils in Plant/Meat Blends December 3, 2021By Jasmine HansonFor an ingredient that can increase the nutritional content of menu offerings across dayparts while making your operation more cost-effective, look no further than lentils. As a plant-forward, protein-rich substitute for ground meat, lentils are ideal in blended applications like burgers or tacos, as a substitute that can replace meat entirely in those same applications,
Spotlight on the Hottest Food Trends for 2022 November 30, 2021By Jasmine HansonNovember 2021 As 2021 begins to wind down, we are found reflecting on the past year and looking ahead to what is on the horizon. It is also that time of year where many food companies and data houses come out with their trend predictions for the upcoming year. We at Lentils.org love geeking out
Case Study: CAVA highlights lentils’ versatility in globally inspired power bowls and salads November 15, 2021By Jasmine HansonNovember 2021 The fast-casual restaurant segment is a booming one for the lentil industry. In addition to salad-centric chains, Mediterranean cuisine is a natural fit for lentils as operators are looking to add more plant-based proteins to menus. The Mediterranean fast casual restaurant chain CAVA provides a perfect example of how lentils can shine across
Food Trend Spotlight: Functional Foods & Eating for Immunity November 10, 2021By Jasmine HansonFunctional foods are those that offer health benefits that extend beyond their basic nutritional value. As more consumers seek foods that promise health benefits like added energy or increased immunity, functional foods, like lentils, can help you satisfy customer demand while also delivering on taste and menu appeal. Satisfying Health Desires and Innovating on Trends
Case Study: Fast-growing salad chain Sweetgreen features lentils in a sustainable menu item powered by plant-based protein November 10, 2021By Jasmine HansonNovember 2021 Sweetgreen, one of the trendiest and fastest growing fast casual chains in the U.S., has a mission to build healthier communities by connecting people to real food, so it’s no surprise that lentils are a featured item on their menu. The Super Green Goddess Salad features lentils, chickpeas, roasted sweet potatoes, raw carrots,
Food Trend Spotlight: Labor-Saving Techniques with Lentils October 27, 2021By Jasmine HansonWith limited staff and resources, utilizing ingredients that require less labor while also providing menu versatility may seem like an impossible feat. There are some ingredients, like lentils, that can work double duty for you, making at least one thing easier in the kitchen. Below are three reasons why lentils can be your labor-saving solution.
Sports Bars & Plant Forward Cuisine March 25, 2021By Jasmine HansonMarch 2021 Depending on exactly how you classify them, there are between 25-30 sports bars in the top 200 chains. This unique sub-category of casual dining anticipate a higher check percentage towards beverage sales and are a favorite among consumers in the U.S. to gather and relax with family and friends, enjoy lunch or happy
Food Trend Spotlight: Snacks, Sharables, and Protein Boxes December 16, 2020By Jasmine HansonConsumers love snacking and we know that younger generations are eating more frequent smaller meals or higher number of snacking occasions throughout their day. People are on the move so ease of grab-and-go options are attractive, especially those that can be snacked on throughout the day and hold well for extended periods of time. Consumers