Many Americans are making the switch to plant-based proteins—and they’re doing so for a variety of reasons. According to Mintel’s 2022 U.S. Plant-based Proteins report, 50% of American consumers said that plant-based is healthier than meat and 32% consider it to be better for the environment.
However, when it comes to adopting plant-based proteins, many operators have been met with challenges, resulting in fewer plant-based menu options than consumers want. Some operators are concerned about food waste as they question if their customers will like plant-based offerings and order them, while others simply feel unfamiliar with the category and have expressed that they need to see healthy, plant-based recipes, according to MRI Simmons’ 2022 SummerStudy.
Nestlé Professional® Sweet Earth® products are created by professional chefs, for professional chefs. They’re flavor-forward, mindfully made and 100% plant-based. With a mission to inspire a modern culinary movement, Sweet Earth® products ship frozen, cook like traditional meat and can stand up to the rigors of foodservice cooking techniques.
Sweet Earth® has a range of meat alternatives such as Mindful Chik’n, Awesome Grounds and Breakfast Sausage Patties. Here are some plant-based recipes to try out—just in time for Earth Day—that will surely appeal to customers craving meatless menu options.
- Mindful Chik’n Nachos with Sweet Earth® Mindful Chik’n are a flavorful plant-based spin on a pub-menu classic. Fry Sweet Earth® Mindful Chik’n until golden brown, then transfer to a bowl and season. Layer chips with Mindful Chik’n, red bell peppers, cilantro, jalapeno, pico de gallo and cheese sauce.
- Awesome Mediterranean Bowl with Sweet Earth® Awesome Grounds is a flavor-filled taste of the Middle East with a modern spin. Cook Sweet Earth® Awesome Grounds until caramelized. Separately, mix curry powder, mayo and lime concentrate to create a bold, flavorful sauce. Assemble a bowl with rice and other ingredients, then drizzle sauce on top.
- A Breakfast Sausage Sandwich with Sweet Earth® Breakfast Sausage Patties puts a tasty new spin on breakfast without meat. Start off by toasting a bagel and preparing shredded hash browns. Then, cook Sweet Earth® Breakfast Sausage Patties until caramelized and add vegan cheese. To build the sandwich, layer the bagel with the hashbrowns, then top with the sausage and cheese.
With Earth Day right around the corner, there has never been a better time to add plant-based options to the menu. To learn more, click here.
This post is sponsored by Nestlé Professional