3 Quick Tips For Plant-Based Catering
Plant-based diets and cooking are now more than just a major trend. Recent studies have reported that plant-based options are some of the most popular on menus, driving growth and profits across the industry.
This has never been truer than immediately post-lockdown, when a survey conducted by the Vegan Society revealed that as many as 1 in 5 people were trying to reduce their meat consumption.
Diners are choosing plant-based options for a wide variety of reasons. These can range from personal health concerns, animal welfare, helping the environment and more. What is important to note is that it is not simply vegans and vegetarians choosing the plant-based option. More meat-eaters than ever are increasing their vegetable intake, and choosing to try plant-based while dining out.
But what does this mean for catering? How can your business capitalise on the surge in interest for plant-based options without it becoming overcomplicated?
Below, we offer three simple but effective starting points for adding a plant-based option to your menu.
1. Make Existing Favourites Plant-Based
It can be easy to think that adding a plant-based option means starting from scratch or doing something entirely original. But this is not always the most successful option. Instead, why not try starting with the favourites or a classic and simply making a plant-based version?
For example, many restaurants and eateries have an especially popular sandwich, burger, or soup that sells out every day. Pizza also seems to be universally popular.
Instead of adding something completely different to your menu, simply begin by offering a plant-based version of the existing favourite. There are some excellent vegan cheeses and plant-based burger recipes, for example, as well as vibrant vegan pizza options with tasty sauces and a range of fresh, seasonal toppings without having to rely on meat or dairy.
Once you know your favourites and best-sellers, do not hesitate to search plant-based websites and publications for inspiration on how to adapt them too.
Online resources are also helpful if you fancy treating yourself to a vegan or vegetarian meal at a fancy restaurant! No matter where you live, it’s likely there will be somewhere near you that serves good quality plant-based food, and these are easily located via online guides.
For example, to find the pick of vegan and vegetarian restaurants in Paris, you can check Tripadvisor, while for Berlin you can use Time Out, and for the popular tourist destination of Ho Chi Minh City, you can consult anchay.vn.
2. Stay Seasonal
One of the reasons that plant-based cooking has become so popular is because of its vibrant array of fresh produce and ingredients. As a cuisine, it arguably makes the very best use of fruit, vegetables, and whole grains — some of the healthiest things on the planet!
A great way to ensure that your plant-based options are a hit is to make them seasonal — and even local where possible. A winter stew with local root vegetables, for example, or a stunning Summer salad can be popular at particular times of the year, and can help customers feel that they are eating in a natural and wholesome way — as well as potentially supporting local farmers.
3. Know Your Food Groups
Knowing the key food groups for a balanced meal can be a great advantage when developing plant-based menu options. This helps to ensure that your dishes are filling, versatile and nutritious — as well as delicious!
For example, it is now well-known that we do not need to only consume meat as a source of protein. Plant-based proteins such as beans, nuts, lentils, tofu, tempeh, quinoa and more can all be used in a variety of ways.
A plant-based option also makes it easier than ever to do as doctors advise and ‘eat the rainbow’. This means eating whole foods in a wide variety of colours — from purple cabbage, red peppers, yellow tomatoes, green kale and so on — to ensure that you are getting a wide variety of nutrients.
This knowledge does not have to be overcomplicated or restrictive. It can simply be subtly reflected in the options you offer. Hearty veggie burgers, tasty veg-packed tacos, and savoury soups, for example.
Nutritious, vibrant options such as ‘buddha bowls’ — a hearty salad with a whole grain, source of plant-based protein, a variety of veggies, for example — are becoming an extremely popular choice, as well as an internet sensation!
Salads are so often an afterthought that a flavoursome, vibrant option is likely to be a hit. Adding a warm element, some seasonal fruit, an outstanding dressing, or nutritious toppings such as nuts and seeds can help enliven salads that can otherwise simply be a side dish. A great salad that leaves you feeling full, light, and energised can be the main event.
With the simple starting point above, you can add plant-based options to your menu and cater for a wider variety of people than ever — from vegans and vegetarians, right through to meat-eaters who want to reduce their meat intake or simply be adventurous!
