Consumers dish on side dishes

Operators looking to increase sales of side dishes may want to focus on freshness and value. Here’s what attributes consumers say are important when picking sides.

Fresh - 73%
Offered at a fair price - 72%
Satisfies a craving - 64%
Premium ingredients - 56%
Natural ingredients - 49%
Signature side - 47%
Something familiar - 46%
Housemade/made from scratch - 44%
Something new/unique - 42%
Large portion size - 42%
Healthfulness - 40%
Family-size - 40%

Source: Technomic’s 2017 Starters, Small Plates and Sides Consumer Trend Report, powered by Ignite