New State of the Menu Report from Technomic Spotlights Trends to Come in 2022

CHICAGO, March 9, 2022 — Technomic released a new State of the Menu report, highlighting growing ingredients and flavors on menus; trend predictions that will surface this year; and insights into best-in-class, limited-time offers. Foodservice operators are facing industry challenges that will likely persist for the foreseeable future, and this report provides crucial details on how leading restaurant operators are finding ways to innovate amid ongoing labor and supply constraints. With consumers seeking new takes on familiar items, operators are finding creative ways to make classic dishes more exciting.

“Looking at the past year in review is essential to see what trends are influencing the foodservice industry, especially with the impact the pandemic has had on these menus,” said Katie Belflower, menu analyst at Technomic. “With insights derived from data and analysis, we can provide recommended actions to help industry professionals leverage these trends and key themes.”

Key findings include:

• Chicken continues to dominate LSR menus for lunch and dinner and has found a growing new usage application in bowls, up 30.8% year over year
• Breakfast value meals rise to the top of the fastest-growing FSR breakfast dishes, with a year-over-year growth of 225%
• Nonalcohol beverages dominate breakfast items, with a 31.5% LSR operator penetration rate

The new State of the Menu report is part of Technomic’s Ignite Menu platform. Ignite is a robust online platform relied on by thousands of foodservice manufacturers and operators.