Food

What does 'clean label' mean to consumers?

Here’s what operators should know about the diners who are looking for clean-label menu items.

Consumers’ definition of healthy is changing from simply meaning low-calorie, low-sodium or low-fat to meaning clean, which includes attributes such as non-GMO, organic, all natural or no artificial flavors or colors. And operators are working hard to adapt their menus to these shifting preferences. But for the uninitiated diner, clean-label menu items can be a bit of a mystery—what is clean label and why are restaurants offering it?

For operators, adding clean-label ingredients to their kitchens can be a daunting task. Finding suppliers who are committed offering clean-label foods can be tricky, after all. But with an expanded understanding of the clean-label movement, both diners and operators can get what they want. Diners can order the natural and tasty foods they love, and operators can see a boost in business from offering these menu options.

Here’s what operators should know about the clean-label trend and the diners who are looking for such options on menus.

clean label infographic

This post is sponsored by Nestlé Professional

Multimedia

Exclusive Content

Emerging Brands

5 pre-emerging restaurant brands ready for takeoff

These small concepts are still proving out their ideas, but each shows promise as a potential candidate for the next generation of emerging chains.

Technology

This little-known iPhone feature could change restaurant ordering

Tech Check: Almost every customer has a POS in their pocket. Can mini mobile apps get them to actually use it?

Financing

Red Lobster gives private equity another black eye

The Bottom Line: The role a giant sale-leaseback had in the bankruptcy filing of the seafood chain has drawn more criticism of the investment firms' financial engineering. The criticism is well-earned.

Trending