Functional foods—those that offer health benefits beyond nutrition—were on the rise before COVID-19 arrived. But with the pandemic causing many people to become hyper-focused on their health and well-being, the trend has picked up steam.

Pizza has always been a fan favorite. In any given week, nearly half (44%) of American consumers eat pizza from a restaurant at least once, Technomic found, and 3 in 10 consume frozen or take-and-bake/refrigerated pizza.

Half & half has carved out an indisputable spot in the coffee category. Datassential research confirms, in fact, that operators use half & half in the front of the house more than any other type of cream, due in part to its popularity as a coffee add-in. But one-third of operators also use it as a back-of-house ingredient.

Over the past year, a majority of operators streamlined their menus to manage through the pandemic. In fact, the National Restaurant Association’s 2021 State of the Industry Report showed that 63% of fine dining and half of casual and family dining restaurants now offer fewer items.

If there’s one thing that people can agree on, it’s cheese. In fact, the average American eats 39 pounds of cheese a year. 

Holiday celebrations will look and feel different for most people this year due to the pandemic and evolving restrictions in many U.S. states and around the world. Smaller family gatherings, fewer (if any) restaurant buffets and other eating-related adjustments won’t stop people from enjoying their favorite traditional holiday foods—including macaroni and cheese, gratins and other rich, satisfying dishes—however.

How can operators alleviate consumer concerns over returning to restaurant dining? Learn more here:

Signature dishes that feature savory, delicious cheese can entice customers to keep coming back. Need proof?

Recent research confirms that consumers love cheese: nearly half (46%) say they look forward to signature cheese dishes when eating restaurant cuisine. Six in 10 operators believe adding cheese helps items sell better.

People are relishing normalcy wherever they can find it these days. For some, that means sipping a fruity drink under a patio umbrella at a restaurant that not very long ago wasn’t open for in-person dining. Although the signs of the coronavirus are ever-present—waiters wearing masks, tables spaced 6 feet apart—diners once again have the ability to eat a meal they didn’t cook themselves, surrounded by more than just the people they live with.

Even though cheese is already widely available across menus, customers are still asking for more. From healthy recipes to plant-based options, now’s your chance to get in on this opportunity with three new trends consumers will love.