How FSDs are catering to clean-eating enthusiasts

Consumers are continuing to focus on cleaning up their diets. Whether that means choosing options with fewer calories, limiting sweets or choosing clean, no antibiotics ever (NAE) proteins like Just BARE^® chicken, clean is different for everyone, but one thing is for sure—foodservice facilities that want to remain competitive are stepping up and offering the foods consumers are looking for.

Spotlighting health

According to Technomic’s 2018 Healthy Eating Consumer Trend Report, 40% of consumers say their definitions of health have changed over the past two years, with some saying they’re more mindful about what they eat, more aware of certain nutrients and avoiding additives that they perceive to be less than desirable. When they want to order healthy items, consumers say they look for natural ingredients above anything else, including organic ingredients, local ingredients and ingredients with a functional purpose.

For that reason, many foodservice operators have chosen to go the route of offering natural proteins, like grass-fed or NAE options. With NAE chicken, operators can offer the same delicious menu items that customers love—with the added benefit of giving consumers peace of mind. Knowing that they’re purchasing and eating clean label chicken can mean the difference between whether a customer comes back again and again or choosing to dine elsewhere.

Incorporating NAE chicken on menus

All natural, clean label chicken from the Just BARE^® line is easy to add to menus in tasty, craveable ways. Made with no antibiotics ever and no added hormones, these 100% natural chicken products are easy-to-prep proteins, both ready-to-cook and fully cooked for consistency and capable of being cooked either in traditional convection oven as well as a fryer. Best of all, they’re versatile enough to be used across the menu.

For instance, slices of fully cooked grilled chicken breasts are perfect for topping salads or in burrito bowls, while the line’s Whole Grain Breaded Chicken Breast Tenders can be offered as shareable appetizers served with a choice of dips or folded into a tortilla for a snack wrap.

According to Technomic’s Healthy Eating report, 53% of consumers say they would like restaurants and other foodservice facilities to be more transparent about what’s in their menu items, and 43% say they’d like them to be transparent about information surrounding antibiotic and hormone usage in meat and dairy.

More than ever, consumers want clean, healthful foods. By offering consumers an array of dishes with the same great NAE chicken, operators can be sure that the foods being offered are in line with what diners want—whether it’s a superfood-packed grain bowl or a clean-label plate of Buffalo-sauced boneless wings. No matter what dish Just BARE^® NAE chicken is used in, the outcome is consistent, delicious food that both customers and operators can feel great about.

Learn more about Just BARE^® Chicken at https://justbarefoodservice.com/.