News

Weighting it out: Americans ordering healthier items

November 29, 2010

Restaurants have certainly taken a fair share of the blame for our expanding waistlines, and politicians have called for some accountability with the impending menu labeling mandate, but it seems we’re also willing to make a few changes on our own.

A new study released by The NPD Group, a foodservice market research company, notes that Americans are changing their eating-out habits in seeking healthier menu items.

With this gradual shift, the report, called “A Look into the Future of Foodservice,” projects an impressive 13-percent growth in the healthy/light sandwiches segment throughout the next 10 years.

Included in the healthy/light sandwich group were grilled chicken and fish, turkey, cold cut combos, tuna and chicken salad and veggie sandwiches.

Additionally, The NPD Group’s CREST service, which tracks consumer usage of commercial and non-commercial foodservice, has noted a decrease in consumption of foods high in sugar content or fat, carbonated soft drinks, hot dogs, fried chicken and french fries. Simultaneously, consumers have ordered more “healthier” items including grilled chicken, non-fried fish, breakfast cereals, fruit and yogurts.

The shift may be due to increased health consciousness, increased availability of healthy items, or both.

“This shift in consumers choosing healthier foods at restaurants is partially due to the increasing availability of healthier foods on restaurant menus,” said Bonnie Riggs, restaurant industry analyst at The NPD Group. “Restaurant operators are responding to their customers’ needs for healthier or lighter foods.”