In the world of healthcare, foodservice is becoming increasingly important. Healthcare employees, visitors and residents are not only looking for top-notch medical care but also a dining experience that complements their overall well-being.
According to Datassential, two-thirds of consumers believe that food offerings are essential to their overall care experience.1
Discover four key trends that you should consider to meet the evolving expectations of patrons.
Menu Trend 1: Healthy, Better-for-You Options
One of the most prominent trends in healthcare foodservice is the increasing demand for healthier, better-for-you food options. Seventy-seven percent of healthcare consumers want healthier foods.2
Salads and sandwiches with health-halo proteins, such as chicken and turkey, are a great menu option. These entrees can even be prepped ahead of time and also be made available as a grab-and-go option for guests.
For example, PERDUE® No Antibiotics Ever 4 Star Healthsense® Reduced Sodium Skinless Turkey Breast is a perfect, versatile protein for healthy sandwiches, salads and other entrees. At only 270 milligrams of sodium per 2 ounce serving, it’s the ideal product for healthcare applications. Consider this Mexican Turkey Torta, which combines turkey breast, fresh salsa and avocado for a delicious, lower-sodium sandwich option.
Menu Trend #2: Ingredient Transparency
Consumers today have a variety of dietary preferences, including gluten-free, keto, and more.3 Perdue Foodservice offers certified gluten-free and halal-certified chicken offerings to meet the needs of consumer preferences, such as these PERDUE® Harvestland® No Antibiotics Ever Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast Filets. Look to incorporate products and menu items that fit these preferences.
Outlining claims and attribute information on menus, such as calorie counts, ingredient sourcing and nutritional benefits, enhances transparency and helps patrons make informed choices about their meals. Premium poultry, for instance, can make a big impact. Ninety-two percent of patrons of healthcare cafeterias, which include hospitals, nursing/retirement homes and other long-term care facilities, say they would return to an avoided location if premium poultry items are menued there.4
For example, PERDUE® Harvestland® No Antibiotics Ever 4 oz. Fully Cooked Grill Marked Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast Filets are made with all-natural chicken, raised on a 100% vegetarian diet with no animal by-products, and no antibiotics ever. They are also certified gluten-free with no artificial ingredients and clean label. Fully cooked and grill marked, these chicken breast filets are the perfect base for sandwiches, salads and entrees since they are sized for portion control.
Look to incorporate products and menu items that fit a variety of dietary and claims preferences in your operation.
Menu Trend #3: Elevated Comfort Food
Comfort food has always been popular in healthcare settings. Now, operators have an opportunity to elevate classic comfort dishes with a healthy twist.2
For example, consider this Grilled Chicken & Pimento Pesto Panino, which features a decadent pimento cheese sauce balanced with grilled chicken strips.
Traditional entrees are also experiencing growth.2 Popular choices, like chicken marsala, Monte Cristo sandwiches and ratatouille, can add variety and comfort to the menu.2 Consider this Wild Mushroom Chicken Marsala or this Modern Monte Cristo for elevated takes on these classic dishes.
Regional comfort foods, including Tex-Mex and pulled pork sandwiches, are also trending with healthcare consumers.2 Get inspired by these Creamy Buffalo Chicken and Black Bean Quesadillas.
By offering a selection of comfort food with a modern twist, you can enhance the dining experience and improve the perception of food quality.
Menu Trend #4: Labor-Saving Products
Staffing issues remain a top challenge in healthcare foodservice.5 To help combat short staffing, look for labor-saving products that can streamline food preparation without compromising quality.
Versatile proteins like chicken and turkey have become staples in healthcare kitchens due to their adaptability and ease of preparation. These proteins can be used in a variety of dishes, reducing the need for specialized kitchen staff. Additionally, precooked proteins can save time and labor while ensuring consistent quality. For example, PERDUE® Sandwich Builders® No Antibiotics Ever Mesquite Smoked Sliced Turkey Breast makes it easy to create premium sandwiches, wraps and salad applications.
Perdue Foodservice has a variety of turkey and chicken products that minimize labor in your kitchen. Learn more about how you can provide quality nutrition to staff and visitors by featuring in-demand, better-for-you claims on our Healthcare page.
Sources
- “Hospital food, reimagined: Emerging trends in healthcare foodservice,” Datassential Blog, https://datassential.com/resource/healthcare-foodservice-trends/
- Healthcare Segment Guide 2023, Datassential
- US Healthcare/Hospital Food Services Market, Markets and Markets https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/us-healthcare-hospital-food-services-market-170935372.html
- Perdue Proprietary Research May 2022
- Gingerella, Benita, “The state of healthcare foodservice: Full 2022 survey results,” Foodservice Director, Nov. 16, 2022, https://www.foodservicedirector.com/operations/state-healthcare-foodservice-full-2022-survey-results