Soup and salad struggle despite health concerns: report

Chicago – Consumers are ordering soup and salad at restaurants slightly less frequently now than two years ago, according to a recent report from research firm Technomic.

Among the factors contributing to this decline is a shift in menu offerings; soup and salad are trending down on menus, likely due to the growth of more unique, alternative healthy options such as roasted cauliflower dishes and poke bowls, said the 2018 Soup & Salad Consumer Trend Report.

“While soup and salad have traditionally served as go-to options for health-conscious guests, consumers now have a wider variety of healthy options to choose from,” said Anne Mills, senior manager of consumer insights at Technomic. “As more healthy foods become available and health definitions shift, brands will need to find new ways to differentiate soup and salad, perhaps with ethnic varieties that offer a balance of health and flavour.”

According to the report:
·      14% of consumers order salad every time they visit a restaurant
·      17% of consumers who purchase soup are likely to order it as a snack, up from 11% in 2015
·      52% of consumers who purchase salad say they feel healthier after eating meals that include salad

The report includes findings from more than 1,500 consumers, and from Technomic’s MenuMonitor and Digital Resource Library. To learn more, visit Technomic.com.