While consumer desire for functional foods had been growing for years, 2020 certainly took interest in immunity-boosting ingredients to new levels. An FMCG Gurus survey from last July found that 72% of American consumers are now more likely to pay attention to nutritional benefits when purchasing food and drink, and 50% have increasingly turned to food to boost their immune health. Those numbers are still going strong with Datassential reporting in May that 33% of consumers say they are focusing more on immunity due to COVID-19. Many feel the end of the pandemic is nearing, but does that mean the appeal of strengthening immune systems will die down?
 
Venues are opening and many consumers are more than ready to get back to their favorite activities; simultaneously, cities are lifting mask mandates which causes concern for some. As consumers figure out how they will navigate this post-Covid world, we expect starting from the inside-out with one’s immune system will be a common choice for a first line of defense. It seems we’re not alone in this prediction as globally, immunity-boosting products are expected to grow over the next five years and surpass $17 billion by 2025, according to market researcher ReportLinker. Let’s look at simple ways immunity can fit on your menu this summer.
 
First, what foods are natural immunity-boosters? Those loaded with Vitamins A, C, D, and E, along with folate, iron, and zinc will help keep sickness at bay. During the summer months, this includes seasonal foods such as broccoli, carrots, tomatoes, avocados, bell peppers, spinach, chickpeas, peas, limes, cantaloupe, strawberries, beets, and watermelon. Garlic is also harvested during the summer and is believed to significantly boost the function of the immune system. Adding in proteins such as salmon, beans, and tofu heightens immunity value. Peppering in seeds and nuts is wholesome icing on the cake. Gut-healthy foods such as yogurt, kimchi, miso, and sourdough create a happy microbiome that sets the stage for a healthy body.
 
Naturally, this makes hearty salads and bowls quick-assembly solutions for providing customers with nutritious dishes. Mix and match the aforementioned ingredients with a few others to create powerful and flavorful menu items. Salmon, diced avocados, and julienned bell peppers and carrots are a great start to a salmon sushi bowl; or begin a salad with spinach, strawberries, avocado, poppy seeds, and almonds. One of our favorites is a Wild Rice Spicy Power Bowl which highlights carrots, chickpeas, lime, and avocado as seasonal immune-boosters. Other defensive ingredients tossed in this bowl are readily-available sweet potatoes and wild rice. The bowl is finished with a tangy drizzle of Gold Label Ambient Portion Control Tomatillo Serrano Sauce, cilantro, queso fresco, and fresh lime.
 
Sandwiches, wraps, and burgers provide a great platform for seasonal immunity innovation. Plant-based burgers can be made with beet or chickpea patties. Roasted tomatoes, grilled avocado, or broccoli-carrot slaw are twists on traditional inclusions. Combine ethnic flavors with immune-boosters and you’re sure to have a hit, like this Korean-Style BBQ Tempeh Wrap. The tempeh and kimchi inherently help the immune and digestive systems due to fermentation, while the red bell pepper and avocados provide Vitamins A, C, and E and folate.
 
During the summer, there’s an innate craving to cool down. Smoothies, juices, and fruit waters are a perfect way to beat the heat while providing nutrition. Blending watermelon chunks with a bit of water creates an ultra-hydrating, sweet-without-the-sugar, immunity-boosting beverage. Create variations with ingredients like fresh mint, lime juice, cucumbers, and sparkling water. It also transitions nicely to the cocktail menu with the addition of vodka or rum.
 
Our final tip: let your guests know what’s in it for them! Consider using functional terms such as “immune-boosting,” “vitamin-packed,” or “gut healthy” in menu descriptions, item names, and social media posts. Allowing your customers to see healthy options on the menu lets them know you have their best interest at heart.

Now, go pack a little power onto that menu!

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