When diners want to “premiumize” or upgrade their meals, many look to elevated sides as the way to do so. Adding toppings to sides can be one strategy that operators use to increase appeal, but toppings aren’t the only thing that consumers look for when they want to eat something a little more special than their norm.  Other things diners look for include plant-based offerings including new vegetables from around the world, authentic-yet-approachable global flavors and quality ingredients. For operators, offering a new root vegetable alternative to regular white potato french fries helps meet all these needs—and can even help ease the pain point brought on by supply chain issues.

Appealing to diners’ desire for premium options

According to Technomic’s 2021 Starters, Small Plates and Sides Consumer Trend Report, some of the factors that consumers say would encourage them to order more sides at restaurants include better value, craveable offerings, more variety and new or unique options. Higher-quality options and signature options they can’t find elsewhere are also purchase drivers. The report also found that when diners order a side, they do so because they are craving a particular side or they want to try a specific item. To entice diners to upgrade their meals with a more premium side, operators should consider factors such as how unique the sides are, as well as how authentic the flavors are if venturing into global offerings.

Global offerings, new flavors and more

Technomic’s recent Global Food and Beverage Consumer Trend Report found that overall, 27% of consumers say they are eating more unique types of global foods now than they did two years ago, and nearly one-third say they would like more restaurants to offer global foods and flavors. For these diners, offering something unique will be the key to getting them to buy in. With french fries being the most popularly ordered side at both lunch and dinner, offering similar, globally inspired variations can be a great way to encourage purchase. Foods that are somewhat familiar, yet distinct enough to add a sense of adventure or excitement, are a great option for operators. For instance, unique sides from MIC Food, such as Yuca (Cassava) Fries, Yellow Sweet Potato (Boniato) Fries and Orange Sweet Potato Fries, have similar flavors to potato wedges and traditional french fries, but also allow operators to showcase their creativity and reinforce their brand reputation as one that’s forward-thinking and unique.

Other benefits of alternative sides

Amid challenges such as supply chain issues and labor shortages, frozen, ready-to-heat and serve yuca and sweet potato sides offer an ideal solution. Reliable suppliers such as MIC Food are able to ensure there are no shortages of product, and easy prep ensures operators won’t have to stretch their back-of-house labor to add new and exciting side and appetizer options.

To learn more about Yuca (Cassava) Fries, tropical vegetable sides and other exciting global foods customers will love, visit www.micfood.com .

This post is sponsored by MIC FOOD

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