trends and insights

Trends and Insights

As our industry changes, adapting is essential. Check back often for new insights, data, and trends.
Man grabbing food from a shelf

Get in on Grab-and-Go

Grab-and-go is growing fast due to customer demand for tasty food that’s instantly available. Discover ways operators are responding—supermarkets, c-stores, hotels, colleges, and employee dining, and restaurants at virtually every price point. 

Self-Service Catering Spurs Coffee Break Sales All Day Long

Coffee breaks are perfect for a self-service catering program, and while you’re at it, boost sales with baked goods, snacks, and breakfast items.

Catch the Self Service Catering Wave Trends

Catch the Self-Service Catering Wave

Catering is on the upswing, and a self-service program is a good way to leverage the trend. You may already have the staff and resources available, so get ready to start—or upgrade—your self-service catering now.

Tacos being filled

Offer Finger Foods and Snacks for Self-Service Catering Success

Snacking occasions are outnumbering traditional meals. Discover how versatile finger foods fit cocktail parties, working sessions, and more. They’re self-service, too!

Takeout: Comfort Food and Family Meal to Go

Comfort and convenience are top trends. Leverage the momentum with family-size meals and comfort foods to-go for off-premise dining. We have some great ideas to get you started.

Plate of spiralized vegetables made from carrot, zucchini, and beetroot

Remaking Menus for Nutrition, Health and Wellness

Nutrition, Health and Wellness (NHW) is a mega trend. Learn how substituting some ingredients can up the healthful quality of your recipes while maintaining taste.

Plate of beans, red quinoa, black rice, cranberries, and kale

Grains Are Growing. So Is Customer Demand

Grains are gaining in popularity and usage. Quinoa, couscous, farro, and spelt have joined rice and barley on our plates. Get the latest on grains, old and new.

Gluten Free for Dining Halls

The United States has roughly 5,600 universities, serving an average of 1,000 meals per day, per school. In today’s competitive landscape, colleges and universities are using dining halls and food offerings as a point of difference, rather than a point of necessity, to attract potential students.

Gluten Free for Restaurants

Today, 16% of US consumers are actively seeking to limit gluten, a protein naturally occurring in wheat, barley, and rye, from their diets. Although there is little scientific evidence to support people without Celiac disease eliminating gluten, many consumers associate this diet with a healthy lifestyle—some people even claim to feel better when limiting their gluten intake.

Project Opportunity

Nestlé CEO Announces Ambition for Global Flagship Initiative at UN General Assembly

Nestlé Professional Supports International Chef's Day

Kids got their turn in the kitchen at International Chef’s Day. Nestlé Professional and Boys & Girls Clubs of America hosted young future chefs in a day of discovery.

Homemade chocolate brownies

Five Tips for Customizing Premade Desserts

Adding a sauce, or a cookie, may be just the touch needed to turn a premade dessert into a signature sweet. Learn five surefire ways to dress up speed scratch. 

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