US Foods Spring Scoop Introduces Great Tasting Menu Solutions Aimed at Trending Dietary and Lifestyle Preferences
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Insights
With the increasing consumer demand for plant-based and gluten-free options, US Foods' strategic expansion into these areas is a timely response to market trends. The growth in plant-forward products is aligned with the broader shift towards more sustainable and health-conscious eating habits. The introduction of items like the plant-based smashed patty not only caters to vegans and vegetarians but also to the growing demographic of flexitarians who are reducing their meat consumption for health or environmental reasons.
Furthermore, the gluten-free certified products address the needs of consumers with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities, as well as those who choose to avoid gluten for other health-related reasons. The clean label initiative resonates with the wider consumer base that is scrutinizing ingredient lists and seeking transparency in their food choices. In this context, these offerings can position US Foods as a forward-thinking supplier that is adapting to evolving consumer preferences, potentially leading to increased customer loyalty and market share.
The introduction of US Foods' 'Serve You' portfolio represents a strategic move to differentiate the company in the competitive food service distribution market. By providing labor-saving, versatile products, US Foods is addressing key pain points for operators, such as labor costs and the complexity of menu diversification. The claimed labor savings of 30-90 minutes per case could be a significant value proposition for operators, especially in an industry where margins are often tight and efficiency is paramount.
From a financial perspective, the focus on exclusive brands could improve the company's gross margins, as these products typically carry higher margins compared to national brands. US Foods' emphasis on exclusive, on-trend products may also help in negotiating better terms with suppliers, further improving cost structures. By offering a portfolio that aligns with market trends, US Foods is likely aiming to capture a larger share of the food service market and drive revenue growth.
The shift towards plant-based and clean label products reflects a growing awareness of the environmental impact of food production. Plant-based diets are generally associated with lower greenhouse gas emissions and reduced resource use compared to traditional meat-based diets. By promoting plant-forward options, US Foods is not only tapping into consumer demand but also contributing to a more sustainable food system.
Moreover, the Marine Stewardship Council Certification of the Alaska sole product underscores a commitment to sustainable seafood sourcing. Ethical sourcing and environmental stewardship are increasingly important to both consumers and investors and companies that proactively address these concerns can enhance their corporate reputation and appeal to a broader customer base. This approach could lead to long-term benefits, such as customer retention and brand differentiation in the marketplace.
Lineup Highlights New Products Within the Company’s Growing “Serve You” Portfolio Featuring Plant-Forward, Gluten-Free Certified and Clean Ingredient Label Offerings
US Foods Spring 2024 Scoop Magazine (Graphic: Business Wire)
“Given evolving dietary and lifestyle preferences, it’s more important than ever for operators to appeal to a variety of diner desires, but the challenge is that there is no one-size-fits-all solution,” said Stacey Kinkaid, vice president of product development and innovation for US Foods. “With Spring Scoop, we’ve delivered a variety of on-trend, high-quality products that can meet specific preferences, while also appealing to all diners regardless of their dietary or lifestyle choices. Most importantly, all products help save operators back-of-house labor and are highly versatile without sacrificing flavor.”
US Foods “Serve You” products appeal to diners who want more personalization given their dietary and lifestyle preferences are great tasting and can work across a variety of menu options. As aligned with the company’s Scoop commitment, the items are developed with operator needs in mind and offer menu versatility and labor savings of between 30-90 minutes per case as compared to making them from scratch.
Plant-Forward: Plant-forward products on the menu are expected to grow by more than
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Molly’s Kitchen® Plant-Based3 Smashed Patty: With smash burgers predicted to grow in popularity among diners by
138% over the next four years2, US Foods is helping operators meet this demand head-on with the company’s first plant-based3 smashed patty. Made with pea protein, the vegan4 and gluten-free certified patty grills up with crispy edges and is packed with the taste of a traditional burger. -
Chef’s Line® Tempura Brussels Sprouts: This new vegan4 offering is tempura-battered and delivers the subtle earthy flavor of the brussels sprout without masking taste or texture. With brussels sprouts projected to grow by
47% on menus over the next 4 years2 this product is on-trend and highly versatile across the menu. -
Molly’s Kitchen® Mexican-Style Cheese Stuffed Cigars: This vegetarian5, chef-inspired creation builds upon three popular appetizers – spring rolls, cheese sticks and jalapeño poppers. The item is hand-rolled in a crispy spring roll wrapper and features Mexican-style melting cheese, cotija cheese, cream cheese, red pepper flakes and jalapeño pieces to give it the right hint of heat. Cotija and Mexican-style melting cheese are projected to have a
27% and14% increase, respectively, on menus over the next four years2 providing a fresh, on-trend choice for diners.
Gluten-free certified: With nearly
- Chef’s Line® All Natural6 Gluten-Free Breaded Chicken Breast Fillet Raised Without Antibiotics: The fillets were made to meet the increasing demand for breaded proteins that are both gluten-free and raised without antibiotics. The fillets can be baked or deep-fried, and use a breading made from a blend of rice and yellow corn flour.
- Harbor Banks® Gluten-Free Breaded Alaska Sole: This Marine Stewardship Council Certified Wild-Caught Alaska sole has a crunchy and light gluten-free coating made from an innovative combination of amaranth, quinoa, chia seeds, rice flour and navy bean flour. The fresh scent of herbs, combined with the savory flavors of garlic, salt and pepper, is mild enough to allow operators to easily customize this dish.
Clean ingredient labels: Seventy-eight percent of consumers find clean label products appealing. The company’s Unpronounceables List®1 initiative offers products with ingredient profiles that do not contain certain ingredients, such as artificial flavors and artificial (FD&C) colors, hydrogenated oils, high-fructose corn syrup or added MSG.
- Chef’s Line® Pinsa Crust: This crust has been perfected through several years of product development at US Foods. Made with simple ingredients, such as wheat flour, rice flour and extra virgin olive oil, each crust is cold fermented for 24 hours then hand-stretched and hand-pressed for a back-of-house appearance. It’s light and crispy, but holds up to being loaded with toppings, perfect for all sweet and savory pizza applications.
- Metro Deli® Kettle Cooked Potato Chips: Back by popular demand and with the same great taste, these gluten-free certified kettle cooked potato chips offer a clean label profile with no ingredients on the US Foods Unpronounceables List®1 and come seasoned with one of three iconic chip flavors – sweet and sassy Hickory Barbeque, classic Original with Sea Salt and mouth-puckering Sea Salt and Vinegar.
To view all the new products featured in Spring Scoop, visit the company’s Scoop webpage at usfoods.com/springscoop.
1Processing aids and potential cross-contact during production are not in the scope of this program.
2Datassential
3Made with ingredients derived from plants, fungi and algae: no animal-derived ingredients. Reasonable efforts to avoid cross-contact with animal-based ingredients.
4No ingredients of animal origin. Reasonable efforts to avoid cross-contact with animal-based ingredients.
5Milk, eggs, honey and beeswax permitted; no other ingredients of animal origin. Reasonable efforts to avoid cross-contact with animal-based ingredients.
6No artificial ingredients, minimally processed.
About US Foods
With a promise to help its customers Make It, US Foods is one of America’s great food companies and a leading foodservice distributor, partnering with approximately 250,000 restaurants and foodservice operators to help their businesses succeed. With more than 70 broadline locations and approximately 90 cash and carry stores, US Foods and its 30,000 associates provides its customers with a broad and innovative food offering and a comprehensive suite of e-commerce, technology and business solutions. US Foods is headquartered in
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240318632048/en/
Sara Matheu
773-580-3775
Sara.Matheu@usfoods.com
Source: US Foods
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