lunch trends

Formulation Strategies | Lunch Trends

Changing consumer lifestyles and eating behavior in response to COVID-19

Meat and poultry has become an increasingly attractive lunchtime meal option.

Richard Mitchell

June 11, 2020

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It is the perfect storm for the lunchtime consumption of meat and poultry.

Cartoon of Couple Dining and Businessman Running

Formulation Strategies | Lunch Trends

Lunch options change as lunch consumers change

Lunch on the run: Lunch is changing because lunch eaters continue to change.

Megan Pellegrini

June 20, 2019

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When McDonald's delivers, it’s pretty clear lunchtime rules don't apply anymore. Uber Eats, DoorDash and flexible delivery or pick-up policies are changing how consumers view their lunch (or snack) options. Lunch formulations are changing because lunch consumers are changing.

Formulation Strategies

Lunch trends: Consumers' snacking habits move into lunch

Megan Pellegrini

June 14, 2018

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At the retail deli counter, lunchmeat has always been the cornerstone of what makes its way into lunchboxes, until recently. Lunchmeat is showing signs of struggle as consumers change the way they eat, especially around lunch.

Salads are the number one growing item at lunchtime

Formulation Strategies

Lunch trends emphasize fresh foods

“Fresh” changes abound in the lunch daypart, as retailers, foodservice operators and consumers seek out protein options that are perceived healthier without sacrificing taste or quality.

Elizabeth Fuhrman

June 15, 2017

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A continued emphasis around fresh foods at lunchtime and throughout the day is a big reason why salads, which could be made with or without meat, are the No. 1 growing item at lunchtime.

Sandwiches remain the most popular lunch menu item

Formulation Strategies

The Lunch Bunch: Sandwiches continue to drive lunch protein trends

Lunchtime sandwiches — as popular as ever — combine unique, creative proteins with traditional and ethnic combinations.

Megan Pellegrini

May 11, 2016

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It’s estimated that Americans eat 300 million sandwiches a day, or roughly one per person, but are they popular enough to keep proteins top of mind for consumers at lunchtime?

Not serving as many animal proteins is one of the latest trends in lunch menus

Formulation Strategies

Lunch Formulation Trends: 'Standard' out to lunch

As operators trim lunch menus, commodity offerings are losing out to options perceived healthier, more convenient, more sustainable and more unique in their flavor profiles.

Megan Pellegrini

May 13, 2015

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Chipotle’s organic tofu Sofritas, Panera Bread’s Mediterranean Veggie Sandwich and Burger King’s BK Veggie burger are all popular and all lacking one thing: meat, which isn’t an accident.

NEW CONSUMER PRODUCTS

Butterball expands lunch and dinner options

November 25, 2014

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Butterball is introducing new lunch and dinner solutions to make mealtime more convenient for families, including a new line of Butterball Natural Inspirations lunchmeat and new flavors of Butterball Every Day Chef Selects.

NEW CONSUMER PRODUCTS

Hillshire Farm debuts new natural lunchmeat line

November 20, 2014

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Hillshire Farm recently launched its new Hillshire Farm Naturals line of lunchmeat.

NEW CONSUMER PRODUCTS

Applegate introduces first natural, organic lunch kit

November 18, 2014

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Available nationwide at food retailers such as Target, BJ’s and Safeway, Applegate HALF TIME, the first lunch kit with natural and organic ingredients, combines three of the leading brands in the natural and organic channel.

Formulation Strategies

Lunch lightens up

Lunch menus are changing in response to the recovering economy, high protein prices and health concerns.

Megan Pellegrini

May 6, 2014

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The lunch menu is changing — whether at restaurants, work or schools — due to a recovering economy, high protein prices, increased focus on ethnic cuisine or health.