Where are the healthy lifestyle menu items?

As lifestyles change and require updated food choices I find it hard to believe today’s menu items are still lacking the trendy options of most millennial and healthy lifestyle choice consumers. While there may be vegetarian options included, I do not see Vegan, Gluten-free, Dairy-free, and sugar-free options available as often.

With lifestyle trends changing and people of all ages are becoming more aware of their dietary intake, you would think that most eateries would go with the flow and make some menu adjustments and inclusions. After all, customer’s spend their money where there needs can be met and restaurants survive on repeat business from local customers.

Some restaurants will offer items on request, such as, gluten-free options. However, if you are aware of the provision, why aren’t you making this an item that is included on the menu?

For some people, celiac disease is the reason for having to choose a Gluten-free item and not just a trendy choice.  Other consumers have become aware of a living a healthy lifestyle and care about what they are eating and choose to eat healthy.

Some restaurants will include items that are vegetarian and then cook them in an unhealthy way such as “fried green beans”. Once dipped in breading and deep-fried it no longer remains a healthy vegetarian options as you include a dipping sauce usually high in fat and sodium.  Some places will have the illusion of healthy, but when you look a bit closer it’s NOT.

Vegan becomes harder to find. Most vegan options are little or none offered at all. Unless it is a vegan eatery.

Restaurants that will include vegan options have made adjustments in their kitchens for designated space and cookware (same for gluten-free). This is not very easy to do, nonetheless, it can be done. But most times it is not valued to do for a small amount of items on the menu.

Here is where I began to question, if we are serving consumers, why do we not meet the demand? Is it cost of additional product needed, cookware, space, lack of education, training staff?

I believe minor adjustments can be made that won’t “break the bank”, after all, we are creative in this field and we find ways to make more sales for revenues. Any expenses made can be recovered on sales of the new product menu items.

Raw stuffed pepper

Today we are diverse, inclusive, and accepting. These attitudes should be reflected when we eat out. It’s a warm feeling when you know someone has thought of you enough to include your  choices on a menu.  Isn’t this what it is all about? Making the customer welcome and happy? It should be!