Takeout Guide

The National Restaurant Association (NRA) predicts that most industry growth for the next 10 years will come from the off-premises market. Combined with understaffed kitchens, this means that using foods that transport well and the right packaging containers are more crucial than ever.

Smart operators know that partnering with a prepared food manufacturer helps them save time, labor, and money without sacrificing creativity! Streamline your menu with Ajinomoto Foods’ high-quality frozen products.

As one of the top frozen foods manufacturers, Ajinomoto Foods North America offers the added benefits of quick prep, including many ready-to-eat options; long shelf life; and a variety of options for every daypart.

Frozen and RTE foods offer operators a value-added advantage because they don’t require much training or expertise to prepare. Frozen foods also offer a long shelf life, giving operators the flexibility to buy in bulk when supply chains allow. Many operators rely on RTE foods because they have already been cooked to the minimum safe temperature. When RTE products are frozen immediately after cooking, it minimizes the growth of harmful bacteria and lessens the risk of cross-contamination. These items can then be prepared directly from frozen or after thawing in the refrigerator.

With snacking becoming the “all-day daypart” and side dishes becoming appetizers, it’s clear that the lines between traditional meals continue to blur. A recent study reports that 96% of consumers had at least one snack in the past day, with most averaging three to four snacks throughout the day.1 Late afternoon and after dinner/late night snacking have increased – consumer visits to restaurants during those time frames went up 1% over the prior year. Reasons for these 3-5 p.m. and after 9 p.m. restaurant visits range from “the kids like it there” to “we had a craving” and tend to be more common at quick-service chains. Late-night snacks aren’t always small either – often, they’re as substantial as pizza or a burger.

Offering side dishes as meal starters or shareable plates is a trend that’s gaining steam in 2022. This criss-crossing between traditional menus is good news for operators – adding flexibility to the items they already offer and giving them opportunities to add new products. With just a few well-chosen ingredients and unique preparations, almost any side dish can be reimagined as a popular appetizer. It’s also a great opportunity to introduce or expand upon global flavors. Exploring flavor trends in globally inspired spices and seasonings is an accessible way to start adding more authenticity to appetizer offerings in any type of operation. These flavors can be easily introduced to sauces, dips, and toppings, making it a simple and profitable way to satisfy consumers’ cravings.

While Chinese is the most popular type of global cuisine in the U.S., most of those menu items are inspired specifically by the cuisines of Hong Kong. In 2022, however, foods inspired by Vietnam, Singapore, and the Philippines are trending. Asian foods are most commonly menued at midscale restaurants (15.9%) and independents, (15.6%) and they include chicken more than any other paired flavor (56.6%).

In the U.S., the bulk of Latin food in restaurants is Mexican, strongly influenced by Spanish, Mayan, and Aztec cuisines. Featuring regional Mexican cuisines and traditional ingredients like chilies, corn, beans, tomatoes, and rice can ease consumers into trying less mainstream Latin cuisines. A great starting point for introducing Latin foods to a menu is with tried-and-true burritos, taquitos, flautas, and mini-Mexican appetizers.

With the big shift toward snacking any time of day, including late at night, classic American appetizers like those from Fred’s, hit all the right spots. They’re craveable, shareable, quick to prepare, and easy to serve. They also offer the variety of options operators need to nail down the ideal streamlined menu. It’s a no brainer for adding to all-day appetizer offerings.

Often associated with pasta and pizza, Italian food varies throughout the country. Northern Italian cuisine typically features the main staples of butter, cream, and pork. In comparison, most Southern Italian- inspired food is made up of olive oil, tomatoes, seafood, fresh produce, and pasta. Italian food as a whole is one of the top 3 most popular types of cuisine in the U.S.