#1. Snacks with Benefits
Snacks aren’t just fillers anymore—they’re functional. Consumers want snacks that do more than satisfy hunger, like collagen-boosting bites and clear proteins that support wellness. Melons and citrus are also having their moment for skin and heart health benefits. Healthier snacks with a purpose? That’s what customers want, and we can help you give it to them.
#2. Sustainability: Cooking Smarter, Not Harder
Sustainability has shifted from trend to necessity. Here are simple ways to take sustainability from the kitchen to the customer:
- Offer eco-friendly packaging, utensils, and agave straws.
- Get creative with root-to-stem cooking, using every part of your ingredients, from vegetable trimmings to sauces.
- Invest in energy-efficient equipment like induction ranges and combi ovens that save energy and cut costs.
#3. Dial Up Bold & Ethnic Flavors
2025 will bring the heat with fire-based techniques, umami-packed ingredients, and bold spice blends. Brands like Sysco Imperial, McCormick, and Spiceology offer time-saving blends that pack serious flavor. With labor shortages and rising costs, it’s smart to grab a blend that’s almost there, then add your own spin. Whether you’re working with global flavors or regional favorites, these brands have nailed the trends so you can focus on making them yours.
#4. Halal Foods: Tap into a Growing Market
With the U.S. Halal Food Market projected to reach $13 billion by 2028, customers are hungry for ethical, high-quality halal options. This is a huge opportunity, especially for campuses and diverse communities. If you’re not offering halal-certified items yet, now’s the time to explore the market.
#5. Strategic Menu Modifications
Menu efficiency is crucial. A smaller, more focused menu can help manage rising costs while maintaining creativity.
- Smaller Protein Portions: Off set costs by incorporating more grains and vegetables.
- Seasonal Focus: Emphasize local, in-season ingredients to reduce waste.
- Plant Powered: Legumes, beans, and nuts are your plant-based protein powerhouses. Guests love it, and your margins will too.
- Frozen is Your Friend: Always ready, seasonal, and cost-effective, frozen vegetables provide consistent quality and reduce waste.
- Speed-Scratch: Combine high-quality prepared foods with scratch-made elements to save labor and time. Sysco’s variety of speed-scratch products gives you the flexibility to let your kitchen staff shine where it matters most.
#6. Equipment Innovations: Versatility Meets Efficiency
If you’re not optimizing your kitchen with versatile, space-saving equipment, now’s the time to make the switch.
- Combi ovens roast, steam, and smoke all with one unit, saving space and time.
- CTX infrared ovens consistently deliver perfectly seared meats or grilled items, no matter who’s working the line.
- Ventless equipment is ideal for smaller kitchens or expansion into pop-up spaces. Ventless units open new possibilities without requiring costly infrastructure upgrades.
#7. Grab-and-Go Goes Gourmet
As mini-vacations and remote work continue to trend, consumers want gourmet on the go. Whether you’re serving resorts, Airbnbs, or cafés, focus on snackable, chef-driven options that cater to the flexible lifestyle of today’s travelers.
#8. Healthcare Dining Gets an Upgrade
Clean labels, local sourcing, and ethnic-inspired flavors are becoming the norm in healthcare. Create customizable menus with community-driven flair and themed dining experiences. You can still be creative while delivering the nutrition patients need.
