Consumer Trends
Consumer trends, insights and preferences
Consumer Trends
How a broader choice is shaping consumers' eating habits
Explore the evolution of consumers’ dining behaviors and preferences, and other significant trends in food consumption.
Consumer Trends
America's favorite chains for 2017
Restaurant trends change year to year, but one thing remains consistent: Service and hospitality are crucial to consumers. This year’s list reveals some shake-ups.
With farm-to-table menus a priority for both chefs and diners, vegetables can no longer be an afterthought on the plate. In fact, 80% of consumers believe it's important for restaurants to feature more produce, according to research from Datassential presented during the Produce Marketing Foodservice Conference in July.
Americans are finally practicing what they preach—they are starting to eat more healthfully when dining out. A recent study from The NPD Group found that over the past decade, consumers have shifted away from fried foods, hot dogs and soft drinks and moved toward grilled foods and better-for-you breakfasts.
While ketchup and mustard have been the go-to condiments for years, Americans are now turning toward those of other countries to pump up plates of food. “Condiments and sauces are the fashion accessory of the culinary world,” says Kimberly Egan, CEO of the Center for Culinary Development. ‘They are a necessary part of the ensemble as diners seek enhanced food experiences and more global flavors.”