Street-food, ethnic cuisine for kids, twists on macaroni and cheese, specialty olives and more create a foundation for experimentation and growth in 2018
According to a survey conducted by The National Restaurant Association, menu trends that will be heating up in 2018 include doughnuts with non-traditional filling, ethnic-inspired kids’ dishes, farm/estate-branded items, and heritage-breed meats. Trends that are cooling down include artisan cheeses, heirloom fruits and vegetables, and house-made charcuterie.
Market research firm Packaged Facts also recently released a culinary report naming 2018 trends. In New Spins on Standards 2017: Culinary Trend Tracking Series, Packaged Facts identifies more than a dozen foods, beverages, and ingredients that will trend in 2018 and beyond.
In addition to these foodservice trends, here are three specific foodservice products that incorporate a combination of burgeoning trends in the snacks and appetizers space.
HEALTHIER WHOLE GRAIN
Tyson Food Service, Springdale, Ark., expanded its Bosco Sticks line with a new whole grain offering designed to please kids’ taste buds—and please school foodservice directors.
“As the first Bosco Stick whole grain option to feature 100% low moisture, part skim (LMPS) cheese, the new Bosco Cheese Breadstick offers a healthier alternative to a classic student favorite,” notes Tyson. “The freshly baked, premium artisan bread and made-from-scratch quality provide a tasty, flavorful eating experience to increase student participation.”
More specifically, officials say the product delivers “big time buttery, cheesy flavor with the goodness of whole grains and low-moisture, part skim cheese for a sustained flavor burst.”
The frozen stuffed bread sticks are available in bulk packaging with serving sleeves that make them easy to prep and serve. Operators may serve them as a center-of-the-plate entrée, à la carte option or after-school grab-and-go snack—all with convenience and no mess.
Last spring 2017 also saw Tyson dramatically propel the Bosco line with as many as five new breakfast and snacking flavors. Respectively, those breakfast and snack offerings included Cheese & Egg with Maple Cheddar Topping; Cheese & Turkey Ham; Cheese, Egg & Turkey Bacon; Spicy Pepper Jack; and Ham & Cheese.