Weekly Roundup – Week of 5.22.2023
May 26, 2023
Discover the latest food and beverage-related news stories of the week – curated by our team of strategists and food enthusiasts:
Are Restaurants Switching Back to Physical Menus Over QR-Codes?
A recent New York Times article reported that fewer restaurants are creating QR-code menus and many are shifting back to physical menus altogether. While restaurants were in favor of this technology for sanitation reasons during the pandemic, Kristen Hawley, founder of the restaurant technology newsletter Expedite, told the Times, “They are almost universally disliked [by consumers].” The article goes on to say that “customers don’t want to take out their phones when dining out, because it can be perceived as rude or distracting” and that it takes the romance out of the intimacy and conversational component of sharing a meal with someone. Read More.
Climavorism Makes An Impact On Consumer Purchasing Decisions
A new survey by consulting firm Kearney Inc. found that “42% of respondents always or nearly always consider environmental impacts when making a purchasing decision – a historic high, and an 18% increase over last year.” Climavores realize the consequences of their food choices and choose sustainability over cost savings, and future-forward will look to food manufacturers to “help solve environmental issues” and “demonstrate product and sourcing values”. Learn More.
Alternative Meat Providers Are Using Less Processed Ingredients
Innovations in plant-forward foods include using more whole food sources over adding fillers and additives. “A meat alternative made with whole legumes, whole grains, vegetables, and seasonings will provide a lot of nutrients,” Lizzie Streit, MS, RDN, LD, told The Food Institute. A few of the most popular plant-based protein sources in the U.S. include quinoa, jackfruit, spirulina, lentils, and tempeh, to name a few. Read Article.
Highlights from IFIC’s 2023 Food & Health Survey
The International Food Information Council released its 18th annual Food and Health Survey which spotlights American’s food perceptions and purchasing preferences. The study found that inflation continues to be the main contributor to consumers cutting back on non-essential foods and beverages and opting for less healthy choices to accommodate shrinking budgets. New this year, the council also looked at which social media outlets consumers most gravitate toward in finding food and beverage-related information and how social channels influence purchasing behavior. Access the complete study, here.
Summer Food Finds
Summer is the perfect time for restaurants and retailers to introduce new products and flavors to their lineups. Here are a few notable food finds to enjoy during the summer months:
- In celebration of Sweden’s Midsummer tradition and beginning on June 23, IKEA is bringing back its “All-You-Can-Eat Midsummer Buffet” featuring its infamous Swedish meatballs, salmon fillets, and seasonal summer drinks.
- KIT KAT lovers can enjoy a limited-time churro-flavored candy bar, available just in time for National Churro Day on June 6. The new KIT KAT Churro flavor features a buttery, churro-flavored crème with sugar spread between two iconic wafers.
- Summer will get even hotter with Cheetos Flamin’ Hot Smoky Ghost Pepper Puffs offered now through August 14. This spicy snack brings a balance of smoky flavor and slow-building heat with a subtle sweetness from one of the spiciest peppers.
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