Slice of Life: The Evolution of Artisan Cheeses and Crusts
While Italian foods appear to be almost completely mainstream, manufacturers are pushing the envelope with creative toppings and sauces; more convenient approaches; and even items that meet the needs of food-allergic consumers.
Mintel Menu Insights finds the number of U.S. menu items with poultry as an ingredient climbed an average of 12% over the past three years. In pizza, that number is even more pronounced: The pizza segment has seen a 26% increase in chicken as a topping. Papa John’s features a Buffalo chicken pizza, as well as a chicken Parmesan option. Mazzio’s recently launched a Sweet and Spicy BBQ Chicken Pizza, and Domino’s, The Loop and Papa Gino’s all added chicken options to their artisan specialty ranges. Meanwhile, Pie Five Pizza added a Sweet Thai Pie with diced chicken.
The move toward chicken should be little surprise. Restaurant trends, to some degree, revolve around what consumers crave at home, and the demand has surged in recent years for familiar comfort foods—such as roasted chicken, meat loaf, and macaroni and cheese. In turn, restaurant chains are adding such concepts to their menus, and manufacturers are incorporating the ideas into their grocery store options. Hot Pockets, for example, has taken such comforting staples as macaroni and cheese, barbecue and chili dogs and found inspiration for Limited Edition Hot Pockets. The Four Cheese Garlic Pasta Bake features baked pasta, creamy garlic sauce and four different cheeses, while Spicy Hawaiian Pizza Hot Pockets promise a “volcanic eruption of spicy pizza and pineapple goodness.” The line also has included Chili Sauce Cheese Dog and BBQ Recipe Bacon Burger varieties. The limited-edition notion has even expanded into the brand’s more health-oriented Lean Pockets, with Lean Pockets Limited Edition Three Cheese Tomato Melt, comprised of tomatoes, low-fat mozzarella, and reduced-fat Cheddar and provolone cheeses.