Comfort Food’s Upgrade
Elevated comfort foods are driving traffic across all sectors. Learn how you can meet diners’ demands with our reperfected classics.
Holding position as one of the longest-standing trends in foodservice, comfort food offers guests that enduring sense of nostalgia and familiarity. Whether serving up traditional classics or modern takes, comfort dishes evoke a soothing sense of warmth.
Comfort food’s popularity was reignited during the pandemic and continues to grow due to times of uncertainty, geopolitical unrest, extreme weather events, and the increase in cost of living.1 There’s also the simultaneous quest for nostalgia, which has been gaining traction in recent years.1 Consumers want to escape the busyness of life, put down their phones, and prioritize reconnecting with themselves and each other.1
Weaving into this comfort food trend are premium, elevated offerings. Today’s consumers are excited by elevated versions—extra, international cheeses; more meats and fresh vegetables; and premium ingredients to transform familiar favorites—making comfort food a powerful value driver.
At restaurants, senior living facilities, hotels, and C&U, these craveable, elevated dishes do more than satisfy—they signal that comfort dishes are “worth it” and help boost satisfaction and encourage repeat visits. Comfort foods done right keep guests coming back for more by creating menu items that feel like “home” with high-quality ingredients.
Todd Muller, Senior Marketing Manager with Nestlé Professional Solutions®, explained how the popularity of comfort food works twofold for operators by allowing room for comfort-dish creativity2:
“According to Datassential, almost everyone likes Mac and Cheese—same with lasagna,” said Muller. “These items can be customized by operators to add their own special twist. That way, the customer gets the comfort and satisfaction of a familiar food while also the treat of a ‘signaturized’ item.”
Diners are also searching for nostalgic offerings. Technomic’s 2023 Flavor Consumer Trend Report states that 40% of restaurant goers said they'd like establishments to offer more nostalgic items or flavors. Gen Z and younger millennials lead the trend: over half of the 18-34 age group crave comfort flavors.3 And when it comes to embracing familiarity with a twist, 47% of those age 18-34 agreed with the phrase, "I am more likely to try a new or unique flavor if it is showcased in a traditional/familiar way."3
Stouffer’s® recently reimagined and recrafted top-selling comfort food classics to provide more premium versions of these favorites. What makes them elevated? They’re now made with even more quality protein and meats, premium cheeses, fresh vegetables, and savory sauces. Customers will love the rich, elevated flavors in each comforting bite—all with no artificial flavors or preservatives.
Take the essential classic Stouffer’s® frozen Macaroni and Cheese: its creamy, cheesy, melty goodness is like a warm blanket of a meal—and we recrafted it by elevating the noodles to cavatappi and adding even more premium cheeses.
Stouffer’s® Lasagna with Meat Sauce: Even more layers of juicy beef, creamy ricotta, basil-infused, garlicky tomato sauce, and a richer, cheesier topping that browns perfectly. Try shareable lasagna bites or balance an entrée with sautéed kale or the classic (and trending) Caesar salad.
Stouffer’s® Vegetable Lasagna: Cater to vegetarians (or vegetable enthusiasts) with this creamier and cheesier casserole, now with freshly made pasta, colorful broccoli, and full-flavored onions. Add a side of focaccia or bruschetta for a satisfying entrée.
Stouffer’s® Stuffed Peppers: Triple the tomatoes and a richer, herb-forward sauce, plus an all-new marinade that brings a deep, homemade flavor to each bite. Add a Tex-Mex twist with southwestern toppings, or try a side of mashed potatoes, buttered corn, and roasted carrots for a truly comforting meal.
Stouffer’s® Salisbury Steak: 100% real, juicy beef with a meticulously curated spice blend and even more diced bell pepper and rich gravy. This dish works beautifully as an entrée topped with sautéed porcini mushrooms and a side of roasted seasonal veggies.
Stouffer’s® Meat Loaf: Full-bodied flavor with enhanced umami, savory onion, vibrant green peppers, and a longer marination process—plus enhanced gravy for better plating and visual appeal. Serve it with a classic counterpart like mashed potatoes counterpart or add some extra flavor with potatoes bravas and roasted local vegetables.
Balancing tradition with quality and innovation, Stouffer’s® is your trusted partner to help you deliver exceptional taste and today’s much-needed comfort.
Sources
1 FoodNavigator, Comfort Food and Beverage Trend, July 2024
2 Food Institute, New and Next by Nestlé Seize Upon the Comfort Food Trend, May 2025
3 Technomic’s 2023 Flavor Consumer Trend Report