Consumer Research Technical Information Trends: Confections Trends: Baking & Snack Trends: Foodservice Trends: Ice Cream Usage Tips

The foodservice industry today boasts more diversity and appeal than ever before. According to the National Restaurant Association’s 2008 Restaurant Industry Forecast, more than 130 million individuals will patronize American dining establishments every day, each looking for choices to accommodate their unique preferences.

The foodservice industry has an opportunity and challenge to cater to current tastes while also pushing the diner’s boundaries. Here are a few of the hottest foodservice trends along with some compelling reasons why you should consider adding hazelnuts into the mix.

Tasty and Healthy
With obesity on the rise and pressure from health and nutrition authorities to “dine wisely,” consumers expect to see healthy options on the menu. According to the Hazelnut Council’s 2008 consumer research, 80 percent of consumers seek out foods that fulfill nutritional needs. But that doesn’t mean they want to sacrifice flavor or texture!

When it comes to creating healthy menu options, every ingredient counts. Compared with other nuts, hazelnuts are among the lowest in saturated fat and they’re a good way to boost the protein content without significantly raising carbohydrates. That’s why hazelnuts are a preferred ingredient for nutritious dishes that taste every bit as decadent as some of the less healthy options.

Appealing to the Taste Buds of Baby Boomers
It's not hard to imagine why nostalgia and all things retro appeal to the large segment of the population known as baby boomers. As consumers reflect on flavors that take them back to their youth, they express wanting to see hazelnuts incorporated in more menu offerings. In fact, consumers report that they like hazelnuts in particular because of their distinctive flavor and pleasing texture.

Hunger for the Exotic
The rising popularity of cooking shows and an increase in ethnic food offerings have piqued the curiosity of American consumers and opened minds to new food experiences. American palates are shifting toward more exotic flavors.

Hazelnuts, which are popular in European cuisine, are perceived by American consumers as unique and exotic. They’re also very versatile and can be substituted for virtually any other nut to offer a unique spin on a dish. While almonds and walnuts are losing ground as “specialty nuts,” qualitative and quantitative consumer data show that hazelnuts are more likely to be viewed as such.

Creating More Out of Less
Trend-setting chefs like Jamie Oliver (The Naked Chef) have reintroduced pure and powerful flavors. Increasingly the emphasis is on selecting a few quality ingredients that complement each other in a fresh, natural, and totally delicious dish.

The rich and buttery flavor of hazelnuts is a great complement to a wide variety of foods including fish, poultry, pork, pears, wild greens, pungent cheeses and – of course – chocolate. If you only want to use a handful of ingredients, make sure hazelnuts are on the list.