Restaurant Menus Featuring More Veggies than Ever
Technomic’s MenuMonitor database reports a 22 percent increase in vegetarian menu items from the January-March 2012 to the January-March 2013 time periods. Veggie-friendly options have been featured within various chain menus over the past twelve months including Noodles & Company, Ram Restaurant and Brewery and Burger King.
This spring, Noodles & Company has introduced a limited-time asparagus friendly menu which features the nutritious greens in appetizers, snack options as well as main entrée options. The company has not only put an emphasis on a wider range of vegetables in their selection, but seasonal produce specifically in order to create a fresh eating experience.
In order to accommodate the growing vegetarian population, Ram Restaurants & Brewery now offers such items like its Three Vegetarians Walk Into a Bar sliders. The traditional American pub far chain creates their meatless alternative with radish sprouts, sliced red onions, zucchini, red bell peppers and garlic mayonnaise.
Burger King has also jumped on board the produce friendly band wagon with a burger featuring MorningStar Farms Garden Veggie Patty. The veggie burger includes fresh lettuce, tomatoes, red onions, ketchup and mayonnaise served on a toasted seasame-seed bun. Amidst a largely beef-centered menu, this veggie burger provides a tasty and health-conscious alternative for vegetarian consumers.
