When people think of fast food, 'unhealthy' can be the first thought…but times are changing! People are more conscious about their health and wellness, and as a result, they are seeking healthier options when dining out. Many Quick Service Restaurants have had huge shakeups to ensure those looking for healthier options when dining out think of them - e.g. Pret offers comforting and indulgent wraps but also wholesome quinoa salads!
Offering healthy fast food can not only attract more customers but can also contribute to the overall well-being of your patrons. This article will provide tips on creating healthy options for your fast-food restaurant and how our RATIONAL cooking systems can help you achieve that goal.
1. Start with the ingredients: The key to healthy food options.
Start with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Using locally sourced food is healthier because it promotes the consumption of fresh, nutrient-rich produce that has not been transported long distances or stored in a warehouse which can cause a loss of essential vitamins and minerals. Incorporate fruits and vegetables into your dishes, offering salads, vegetable sides, and smoothies where possible, and choose lean meats, such as chicken or fish, and avoid using processed food.
2. Menu planning: Diverse nutrient-rich offerings.
Once you've selected your ingredients, it's time to plan your menu. Ensure your menu is diverse, catering to those with different dietary requirements, such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or low-carb options. Use healthy cooking techniques such as grilling, baking, or steaming instead of deep frying. And when creating your dishes, balance the meal with a variety of nutrients such as protein, fibre, and complex carbohydrates.
3. Efficient, versatile cooking systems: The RATIONAL iCombi Pro.
The RATIONAL iCombi Pro is an efficient cooking system, similar to a commercial combi oven, that allows you to cook multiple dishes simultaneously. It provides precise temperature control, which means your dishes are evenly cooked, and the natural flavours of the food are retained. A significant benefit of using this cooking system is the versatility - you can cook a wide range of healthy dishes, such as steamed fish and lean steak, to baked sweet potatoes and grains (e.g. quinoa and rice) all together in one unit, which saves time and space not using multiple appliances.
Plus, in a quick service restaurant, fast operation and cleaning are key, and this appliance is easy to use and requires minimal clean-up time so that it won't slow down your kitchen staff's workflow.
4. Multifunctional, healthy cooking systems: The RATIONAL iVario Pro.
The RATIONAL iVario Pro allows you to steam, fry, or boil your ingredients effortlessly. It can handle multiple cooking functions like a Bratt Pan and deep-fat fryer. However, the iVario goes beyond this with ultimate versatility and precision, giving you a greater range of healthy cooking options. With the iVario Pro, you can create healthy stir-fries, steamed vegetables, or boil soups, giving your customers a selection of healthy options.
5. Promote your healthy options with effective marketing strategies.
Once you've created your healthy options, it's time to promote them. Display the healthy choices prominently on your menu and encourage your staff to recommend them to customers. Also, if you use locally sourced produce, shout out about its nutritional benefits. Additionally, you can offer food samples or discounts to customers who choose the healthy option.
Offering healthy options at your fast-food Quick Service Rrestaurant (QSR) is a smart business strategy that caters to the changing mindset of the public. Starting with fresh ingredients and menu planning is the foundation for healthy dishes. Plus, cooking appliances such as the RATIONAL iCombi Pro and RATIONAL iVario Pro make cooking healthy dishes easy.
Here at RATIONAL, we understand the importance of preparing healthy meals, giving our customers a greater range of healthy options. With these tips in mind, you can create a more nutritious menu and attract a new demographic to your fast-food restaurant. Get in touch with us to find out more.