Healthy Dining Trends - US - May 2012

Healthy dining initiatives have come to a head as consumers are demanding greater transparency from restaurants in terms of ingredients, processes, and preparation. These desires have been driven in part by the economy, calorie disclosure laws, wellness initiatives by associations, rising obesity rates and other health problems, as well as a greater awareness and understanding of healthy eating on the part of consumers. Operators have responded with a slew of healthy offerings in terms of ingredients, preparations, portion sizing, and menuing to meet varying definitions of “healthy.”

Mintel’s exclusive research and analysis helps manufacturers, operators, and marketers pinpoint opportunities to meet healthy dining demands by exploring consumer preferences, perceptions, attitudes and behaviors as they relate to healthy dining at restaurants. To further understand current market trends, data from Mintel’s Menu Insights database and the marketplace are compiled and evaluated, giving clients a more complete picture of the competitive landscape.

This report details the latest trends and factors impacting healthy dining at restaurants, including:

Market drivers that inhibit and/or encourage healthy dining choices at restaurants
Current restaurant and industry trends that aim to meet the health needs of consumers
Development, promotion, and marketing of healthy dining initiatives among industry leaders
How consumers define “healthy” and what factors are most important in meal selection
Trends in nutritional, item, and preparation claims on adult and kids’ menus over time
The relation between BMI and body image perception and how perceptions dictate behavior