Drive Dining Innovation with New Protein Picks

The prospects of innovative and trendy protein products drive distributors and operators alike to reimagine dining offerings in promotable and profitable new ways. In the quest for the latest and most appealing menu additions, it’s crucial for stakeholders to adopt the dual perspective of the consumer—being mindful of dietary needs—and the operator, who values versatility and easy preparation. To that end, consider halal-certified chicken products and quick and easy lean breakfast proteins.

Discover Halal-certified proteins

With changing demographics, more consumers are looking for halal-certified proteins. Halal dietary laws dictate the preferences of the expanding Muslim community. In fact, with a population of 4.45 million, Islam ranks as the third largest religion in the U.S. behind Christianity and Judaism. This demographic is expected to reach 8.1 million by 2050.¹

Beyond the Muslim community, 51% of those surveyed for an Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of America report are familiar with the halal label. The percentage is highest among Gen Z (62%) and Millennials (61%).² Many of those who are familiar with halal associate it with such positive attributes as more humanely raised (44%), fresher (42%) and healthier (41%) than non-halal-certified food.² 

As you look to satisfy the expanding demand for halal-certified proteins, be sure to add halal chicken to the order list! Chicken is the ingredient that’s most paired with halal on menus, according to a report from Technomic.³ Looking for inspiration? Two prospective easy-to-prepare products are PERDUE® HARVESTLAND® Halal Pre-Browned Tenders and PERDUE® HARVESTLAND® Halal Buttermilk Tenders. Both frozen products meet high standards as halal with No Antibiotics Ever, and 100% Vegetarian Fed with No Animal By-Products. They’re also considered clean label and raised with high standards of animal care. 

These ready-to-cook, pre-browned breaded chicken offer a crunchy and slightly sweet bite for universal appeal while the ready-to-cook buttermilk breaded chicken tenders feature a light, crunchy breading with a savory buttermilk bite, satisfying any palate. 

Lean into breakfast

It appears that what’s old (breakfast) is new again and worth a fresh, clean look. According to Technomic’s 2024 predictions, “A breakfast boom during the work week will have guests treating themselves to foodservice in the morning—rather than lunch—as a satisfying yet more affordable restaurant occasion.”⁴ In the past year, Wendy’s, Jack in the Box, McDonald’s, Taco Bell and others have made news regarding their expanded breakfast efforts.⁵

Yet breakfast can be a healthy-protein dearth where fatty pork bacon and sausage rule the menu. Healthier options are available and worth including on the order list. Perdue offers PERDUE® NO ANTIBIOTICS EVER Ready to Cook, Uncured Turkey Bacon, PERDUE® NO ANTIBIOTICS EVER Fully Cooked Turkey Sausage Links and PERDUE® NO ANTIBIOTICS EVER Fully Cooked Turkey Sausage Patties.

Each of these proteins are healthier, lower-fat alternatives to traditional pork versions. Free from additives, the poultry used were never subjected to antibiotics and were given a 100% Vegetarian Fed Diet with No Animal By-Products. (Talk about something to feel good about!). The sausage links and patties are fully cooked with a sage-based mild flavor perfect for breakfast side dishes, sandwiches and wraps. 

Breakfast leaves endless menuing possibilities. Consider this Breakfast Sausage Enchilacos recipe or this out-of-the-box Turkey Sausage Patty Pancake Stack recipe that’s a filling start to a busy day. This low-fat, newly improved turkey bacon is a great value. Produced from 100% thigh meat, it’s pre-sliced with 18-22 slices per pound. Add a healthy twist to your menu with this Turkey Bacon Breakfast Benedict recipe, which is finished with a Blood Orange Hollandaise Sauce.

For any distributor or operator focused on introducing fresh and innovative menu solutions—whether to address demographic preferences or daypart requirements—try the latest halal offerings and lean breakfast protein solutions from Perdue. These products are designed to meet diverse consumer needs while adding both value and variety to the lineup.

Sources

1. 1 Zaheer, Aima, “10 States with the Highest Muslim Population in the US,” finance.yahoo.com, Jan. 21, 2024, https://finance.yahoo.com/news/10-states-highest-muslim-population-204513805.html

2. IFANCA (Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of America) Publicity & Consumer Insights Survey, September 2022

3. Technomic’s Halal Menu Trends report, January 2024

4. What’s in Store for 2024, Technomic, https://www.technomic.com/newsroom/Whats-in-store-2024

5. Kelso, Alicia, “McDonald’s, Wendy’s Taco Bell and More Restaurants Start to Get Bullish on Breakfast Again,” nrn.com, Feb. 26, 2024, https://www.nrn.com/top-500-restaurants/mcdonalds-wendys-taco-bell-and-more-restaurants-start-get-bullish-breakfast