Breakfast may be the most important meal of the day but the trends for what make up a delicious and nutritious start to the morning are ever-evolving. With advances in restaurant technology and the emergence of new insights about the dietary requirements of consumers, the breakfast food trends of today differ vastly from those of a decade ago. Whether you are a foodservice marketer, salesperson or just looking to give your breakfast routine a much-needed shake-up, here are 10 defining elements to consider.
1. Fast-casual & convenience: Thanks to the changing working environment and the need for convenience, more people are opting for fast-casual restaurant meals for breakfast. This coupled with the introduction of ‘grab-and-go’ options have further enabled people to have breakfast on the move. The increased availability of convenient food items has also prompted the sale of breakfast foods from convenience stores and supermarkets.
2. Plant-based: With more people looking to embrace a more plant-based diet, there has been an increase in the demand for plant-based breakfast items, including vegan and vegetarian options. Plant-based proteins such as vegan sausages and step-one omelettes have seen a rise in popularity in recent years.
3. Global flavors: The expansion of global flavors beyond traditional breakfast items has been an emerging trend. With more people looking to explore different flavors and cultures, there has been an increase in the demand for breakfast foods inspired by other parts of the world. From Middle Eastern flatbreads to Indian dosas, globalized offerings are becoming a common feature on many breakfast menus.
4. Handheld: According to Oswego’s 2020 Lowdown on Breakfast survey, one of the driving trends in the US for breakfast purchases is the demand for convenience and handheld foods such as egg sandwiches and breakfast burritos. This is another result of changing working environments that require people to have an easy breakfast option while on the go.
5. Health-centric: The demand for healthier breakfast options has significantly increased in the past few years as people become more and more conscious of the nutritional value of their food. Low sugar and gluten-free foods, organic and nutrient-rich ingredients, and dishes that are high in protein are some of the health-centric trends consumers are demanding of restaurants.
6. Sustainable: With an increasing environmental awareness, customers are now looking for breakfast options that are locally sourced, organic and from sustainable suppliers. People are not only looking for food that is good for their health but also for the environment.
7. Technological advancements: Technological advancements have made restaurant data collection, analysis and prospecting much easier. Digital touchpoints such as self-ordering kiosks, mobile applications and loyalty programs have brought the restaurant industry into the 21st century, replacing traditional paper menus and order pads.
8. Regional variations: Every region has their own signature breakfast items and flavors that can be adapted for the restaurant trend. Traditional breakfast meals such as croissants in France, or congee in Asia, have a loyal base and can be used to bring regional authenticity to the breakfast menu.
9. Customization: Customers today are looking for products and services tailored to their unique preferences. Customization of flavors, ingredients, portion sizes and meal times are some of the personalization trends that restaurants should consider offering.
10. Social media: Social media platforms such as Instagram and YouTube have become important sources of food trend information and inspiration. Restaurant operators should make use of these platforms to draw attention to the breakfast items they offer.
Breakfast food trends are constantly evolving, and the 10 elements discussed above are essential for staying at the top of your game when it comes to modernizing your breakfast menu. Utilizing restaurant tech trends, understanding the preferences of the consumer and capitalizing on the ever-evolving foodservice market are just some of the ways you can be a part of a sustainable, healthy and delicious breakfast culture.
