Aramark jumps on plant-based bandwagon with The Twisted Beet

Foodservice vendor Aramark is launching its first concept focused on plant-based items, an eatery dubbed The Twisted Beet.

The comfort-food concept will come to more than 750 colleges, healthcare and business-and-industry sites, Aramark says. Dishes offered, such as the Chicken and Chickpea Hummus Bowl, may have small servings of meat.

Other items on the menu include an Eggplant Meatball Sub, Cauliflower Mac and Cheese, Beet Slaw and Dukkah-Spiced Broccoli. Customers will also have the option to create their own meal by selecting a protein, base and two side dishes, as well as sauces and toppings.

“While our menu-development process has always had a focus on health and wellness, plant-forward is now a key focus for Aramark,” said Heidi Hogan, vice president of product development for the company, in a press release. “No matter where consumers fall on the spectrum of trying plant-forward foods, we strive to provide a range of high-quality and delicious options, to make it easier for them to take a plant-forward adventure.”

Aramark says that about 30% of the dishes it currently serves at colleges, healthcare and business-and-industry sites are vegetarian or vegan.