Meal kits give shoppers the chance to safely experiment with new flavors and ingredients.
Consumers love the trendy and authentic dishes they get through meal-kit delivery services. According to Datassential’s 2018 Insider Special Report on the subject, the most popular orders include both familiar and exotic ingredients such as stir-fried vegetables and glass noodles. “Ubiquity with a dose of inception” is the Datassential directive for choosing the menu pairings that drive traffic and repeat purchase. Combined with local and organic sourcing, these are powerful tools for your perimeter
Glass Noodles
MAC stage: Inception – Ethnic markets, ethnic independents, and fine dining
Trends start here and exemplify originality in flavor, preparation, and presentation.
These translucent dried noodles (also called cellophane noodles) are used most often in Asian cuisine, especially at Thai restaurants. They’re most often paired with more common ingredients such as chicken, stir-fried vegetables and shrimp.
On <2% of U.S. restaurant menus
Up 22% on U.S. restaurant menus
27% of consumers know it
16% have tried it
Menu Example
Sun Basket
Korean Steak JapChae with Glass Noodles and Stir-Fried Vegetables
Seared steak with gluten-free noodles in an umami-rich sauce of garlic, ginger, and sesame
Shakshuka
MAC stage: Inception – Ethnic markets, ethnic independents, and fine dining
Trends start here and exemplify originality in flavor, preparation, and presentation.
Shakshuka is traditionally a dish of eggs poached in a sauce made of tomatoes, chili peppers, onions, and spices. It’s often eaten for breakfast with challah or flat bread for dipping.
On <1% of U.S. restaurant menus
Up 174% on menus over the past four years
12% of consumers know it
4% have tried it
Menu Example
Blue Apron
Potato & Pepper Shakshuka
Eggs, tomato sauce, pepper, onion, potatoes, za’atar-seasoned pita chips, and harissa
Havarti
MAC stage: Adoption – Ethnic aisle at supermarkets, casual independents, fast casual
Adoption-stage trends grow their base via lower price points and simpler prep methods. Still differentiated, these trends often feature premium and/or generally authentic ingredients.
This semi-soft cows’ milk cheese from Denmark has a creamy taste and white-yellow coloring. It’s good for melting, making it popular on hot sandwiches and burgers. It’s often paired with tomato, onion and bacon on cold sandwiches and salads as well.
On nearly 4% of U.S. restaurant menus
Up 27% over the past four years
51% of consumers know it
33% have tried it
Menu Example
H-E-B Meal Simple
Chicken Breast Entrée
Chicken breast served with asparagus, Havarti and prosciutto
Barbacoa
MAC stage: Adoption – Ethnic aisle at supermarkets, casual independents, fast casual
Adoption-stage trends grow their base via lower price points and simpler prep methods. Still differentiated, these trends often feature premium and/or generally authentic ingredients.
While Barbacoa is a cooking method that originated in the Caribbean, it’s more commonly associated with the Mexican preparation of slow cooking over an open fire. Typically served as a taco dish, this is also a popular burrito filling and most frequently paired with salsa, beans or onions.
On <2% of U.S. restaurant menus
Up 61% over the past four years
35% of consumers know it
23% have tried it
Menu Example
Home Chef
Barbacoa Steak Tacos
Mouthwatering steak strips, cooked with shallot, tomato and seasoning fill warm tortillas along with pickled shallot & jalapeno, crumbly queso, and cilantro cream